The Flat Fire, burning about two miles northeast of Sisters, is estimated at 23,261 acres after updated infrared mapping and is 7% contained.
Overnight on Tuesday, crews continued the progress made during the day, improving dozer and hand lines, extending hose installations, and increasing mop-up efforts within the fire perimeter. Structural and wildland firefighters used infrared technology to detect and extinguish hidden hot spots near homes and along the perimeter.
Firefighters have been working around the clock to strengthen control lines and prepare for hotter, drier, and windier conditions. Crews have made steady progress, mopping up heat near homes and completing miles of hand and dozer line. While the work has put firefighters in a stronger position, much remains to be done.
Warm weather, thunderstorms, and erratic winds are expected to test containment efforts today. Gusts from the north and northwest could challenge the eastern and southeastern fire lines starting Thursday.
On the eastern side of the fire, crews are patrolling between the Flat Fire and the Alder Springs burn scar, continuing to improve the line. The Lower Bridge Rangeland Fire Protection Association is providing additional support along this edge. Structural crews are also working near Goodrich Road to extinguish hot spots where wind has stirred embers around homes.
On the southeastern perimeter, wildland crews are completing hose lays ahead of forecast winds. On the southwest, structural and wildland teams are coordinating to protect homes along the canyon rim. Along the western perimeter, crews are mopping up 150 feet inside the fire and removing fire-damaged trees. Air resources remain available as weather allows.
Evacuations
Evacuations are managed by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Levels 1, 2, and 3 evacuation notices remain in effect. Updates are posted on both sheriff’s offices’ Facebook pages.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office can be reached at 541-388-6655. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office can be reached at 541-475-6520.
A 24-hour evacuation shelter is open at Highland Baptist Church, 3100 SW Highland Ave. in Redmond. Large animal sheltering is available at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Madras and the Kerley Horse Center in Powell Butte.
Closures
To support firefighter safety, the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service have implemented closures in the area. Details are available at:
- BLM: Prineville District Fire Closures
- U.S. Forest Service: Deschutes National Forest Alerts
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is also managing local road closures:
- Wilt Road at Camp Polk Road
- Panoramic Drive at Camp Polk Road
- Goodrich Road north of U.S. 126
- Holmes Road north of Fadjur Lane
Public Safety Reminder
Flying drones near wildfires is illegal and dangerous to firefighting aircraft. Temporary flight restrictions are in place for the Flat Fire. All illegal drone use will be reported to law enforcement.
Smoke Report
The current smoke outlook for Central Oregon is available at: Wildland Fire Smoke Outlook.