August 28, 2025
SISTERS, Ore. (August 28, 2025) — The Flat Fire, burning approximately two miles northeast of Sisters, Oregon, is estimated at 23,380 acres and is 13% contained. Acreage reflects the most current infrared (IR) flight.
A Red Flag warning, issued by our Incident Meteorologist (IMET) for the fire area, brought hot, dry, and windy conditions today. An afternoon wind shift revealed hidden hot spots across the interior of the fire. These hot spots were well inside the fire perimeter – in some cases up to a mile inside the fire footprint.
Throughout the day, crews continued installing hose along control lines to aid in mop-up. Along the eastern edge, mop-up progressed deeper into the fire area, with crews working up to 200 feet from control lines. Along the south and southeastern perimeter of the fire, firefighters wrapped up an extensive hose lay project through steep, difficult terrain. Aerial resources surveyed the fire area, assisting crews in locating hot spots. Minimal fire activity was noted, and crews promptly addressed identified areas. On the northwest perimeter, firefighters prepared to shift towards rehabilitation work on secured sections of line.
Tonight, structural resources will continue to monitor for hot spots around homes. Wildland crews continue to utilize installed hose lines to expand mop-up inside the fire perimeter as they prepare for continued Red Flag conditions in the fire area.
Cooperative efforts have supported steady progress on the Flat Fire, especially in areas near homes and infrastructure. As a result, Deschutes and Jefferson counties have lowered evacuation levels, allowing residents to return home. “The hard work of our firefighters has allowed residents to safely return to their homes, but the work isn’t over. Crews are continuing to stabilize this incident and are working hard to increase containment,” said ODF Incident Commander Tyler McCarty.
To assist residents, structural crews are conducting outreach at homes in the immediate fire area, handing out information packets and conducting walk-arounds to help those returning home after evacuations. Structural resources continue to provide around-the-clock protection to area homes. Their continued presence ensures that local agencies remain supported as work on the fire continues. As conditions continue to stabilize and evacuation levels decrease, OSFM resources will begin returning to serve their own communities.
Firefighter Safety: With the expected increase in weekend traffic and residents returning to affected communities, we’d like to remind the public that fire crews are active in the area. Please drive cautiously and watch for equipment on the roads. If your weekend plans take you outside, please be aware of the fire risks and recreate safely. Hot temperatures, low humidity, and gusty wind conditions persist in the area, naturally increasing fire risk and contributing to potential fire growth. Please help prevent the next wildfire by following all local regulations:
Oregon Dept. of Forestry: https://gisapps.odf.oregon.gov/firerestrictions/PFR.html
Deschutes National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes/fire/info/public-use-restrictions
Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grasslands: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/ochoco/alerts
Oregon/Washington BLM: https://www.blm.gov/orwafire
Evacuations: Evacuations are managed by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Level 1 and 2 evacuations remain in effect under the direction of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Follow their Facebook pages for the latest information and updates. They can also be reached by phone: Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office at (541) 388-6655, and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (541) 475-6520.
A 24-hour evacuation shelter has been set up by the Red Cross at Highland Baptist Church located at: 3100 SW Highland Ave, Redmond, OR. Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Madras and Kerley Horse Center in Powell Butte are available for large animals.
Local Area closures: To help fire operations and firefighter safety, the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service ask that people stay out of the fire area.
The BLM has implemented closures, which can be found under the Prineville tab on the following page: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions.
The U.S. Forest Service has implemented closures, which can be found on the following page: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes/alerts
As a reminder, drone use near fires is both illegal and extremely dangerous to pilots working on incidents. If you fly, we can’t. FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions are in place for the fire area. All illegal drone use will be reported to law enforcement.
Smoke Report: The current smoke outlook for Central Oregon can be found on the following page: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/6436a95d?
August 27, 2025
SISTERS, Ore. (August 27, 2025) — The Flat Fire, burning approximately two miles northeast of Sisters, Oregon, is estimated at 23,261 acres and is 7% contained.
Thunderstorm activity today brought erratic, gusty winds and lightning across the fire area. On the northern edge of the fire, mop-up reached up to 100 feet in. On the eastern edge of the fire, crews continued securing line and mopping-up. Crews worked to complete a major hose lay project along dozer line in the southeastern area and expect to have it finished before night crews take over. Firefighters working in the Whychus Creek Canyon worked through steep terrain to mop-up up 150 feet in, as structure crews went house to house, extinguishing hot spots along the Canyon rim.
In the Mountain View Road area, wildland and structural resources worked side by side to coordinate mop-up 150 feet out from homes. Fallers worked along Wilt Road to remove snags to open-up access to the interior of the fire, helping firefighters to safely expand mop-up. Crews along the western perimeter pushed mop-up to several hundred feet inside. Minimal fire activity along the northwest edge allowed resources to be shifted to areas needing additional help.
Firefighters are expected to have moderate conditions overnight as they work around the clock to fortify lines. Weather conditions are expected to change as thunderstorms move north tonight, transitioning into a hot, drier pattern tomorrow with breezy western winds. These conditions will lower relative humidity and reduce overnight recoveries, contributing to challenging fire behavior. A Red Flag warning is in place tomorrow through Friday. As a result, several resources will be reassigned from night to day operations to better respond to anticipated fire behavior. Initial attack (IA) resources are ready to help local agencies address any new starts, should they occur, to allow incident personnel to continue to focus on the Flat Fire.
Evacuation levels have been updated, with several downgrades in both Jefferson and Deschutes Counties. Fire officials and law enforcement continue to monitor and re-evaluate evacuation levels, with a focus on safely returning residents to their homes. Incident officials expressed their commitment, with OSFM Red Team Incident Commander Ian Yocum stating, “Our job, our goal, is to secure the incident, to bring the residents home, and to bring the community comfort. We are committed to this incident until that goal is met.” The community is urged to stay informed by following the Jefferson and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Facebook pages for updates and resources to ensure a safe return home.
Evacuations:
Evacuations are managed by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Level 1, 2, and 3 evacuations remain in effect under the direction of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Follow their Facebook pages for the latest information and updates. They can also be reached by phone: Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office at (541) 388-6655, and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (541) 475-6520.
A 24-hour evacuation shelter has been set up by the Red Cross at Highland Baptist Church located at: 3100 SW Highland Ave, Redmond, OR. Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Madras and Kerley Horse Center in Powell Butte are available for large animals.
Local Area closures: To help fire operations and firefighter safety, the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service ask that people stay out of the fire area.
The BLM has implemented closures, which can be found under the Prineville tab on the following page: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions.
The U.S. Forest Service has implemented closures, which can be found on the following page: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes/alerts
As a reminder, drone use near fires is both illegal and extremely dangerous to pilots working on incidents. If you fly, we can’t. FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions are in place for the fire area. All illegal drone use will be reported to law enforcement.
Local Road closures: The Deschutes County Sheriff is managing several local road closures.
· Wilt Road is open from Camp Polk to Buffalo Drive
· Wilt Road is closed at Buffalo Drive
· Mountain View Drive is closed beyond the 17700 block
· Panoramic Drive is closed at Camp Polk Road
· Goodrich Road closed north of Hwy 126
· Holmes Road closed north of Fadjur Lane
Smoke Report: The current smoke outlook for Central Oregon can be found on the following page: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/6436a95d?
August 27, 2025
SISTERS, Ore. (August 27, 2025) — The Flat Fire, burning approximately two miles northeast of Sisters, Oregon, is estimated at 23,261 acres after updated infrared (IR) mapping and is 7% contained.
Overnight, firefighters expanded upon progress made during the day. Crews improved established dozer and hand line; extended hose installations; and expanded mop-up inside the fire perimeter. Infrared (IR) was utilized by structural and wildland resources to identify and extinguish hidden hot spots near homes and around the fire perimeter.
Firefighters have been working around the clock to secure lines and prepare for hotter, drier, and windier conditions. Crews have made steady progress, strengthening established line, mopping up heat near structures, and completing miles of handline and dozer line. That work has put firefighters in a stronger position going into a period of critical fire weather. However, much remains to be done.
Warm weather, thunderstorms, and erratic winds will begin to test lines today. Gusts from the north and northwest are expected to challenge the eastern and southeastern fire line starting tomorrow.
On the eastern perimeter of the fire, foot patrols between the Flat Fire and Alder Springs burn scar continue to improve areas of line. The Lower Bridge Rangeland Fire Protection Association (RFPA) will help bolster resources along the eastern edge. RFPAs are volunteer organizations of local landowners trained to fight wildfires in rangeland areas. Structural crews will be working near Goodrich Road, extinguishing hot spots where winds have stirred up smoldering embers around homes.
On the southeastern perimeter, wildland crews continue working to complete hose lays ahead of wind that will challenge area lines. On the southwestern edge, structural and wildland resources are coordinating efforts to shore up protection of homes along the canyon rim. Along the western perimeter, crews have progressed to mopping up 150 feet inside the fire and are addressing overhead hazards caused by fire-damaged trees. Air support is available and is being utilized when needed, as weather allows.
Evacuations:
Evacuations are managed by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Level 1, 2, and 3 evacuations remain in effect under the direction of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Follow their Facebook pages for the latest information and updates. They can also be reached by phone: Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office at (541) 388-6655, and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (541) 475-6520.
A 24-hour evacuation shelter has been set up by the Red Cross at Highland Baptist Church located at: 3100 SW Highland Ave, Redmond, OR. Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Madras and Kerley Horse Center in Powell Butte are available for large animals.
Local Area closures: To help fire operations and firefighter safety, the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service ask that people stay out of the fire area.
The BLM has implemented closures, which can be found under the Prineville tab on the following page: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions.
The U.S. Forest Service has implemented closures, which can be found on the following page: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes/alerts
As a reminder, drone use near fires is both illegal and extremely dangerous to pilots working on incidents. If you fly, we can’t. FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions are in place for the fire area. All illegal drone use will be reported to law enforcement.
Local Road closures: The Deschutes County Sheriff is managing several local road closures.
· Wilt Road is closed at Camp Polk Road
· Panoramic Drive is closed at Camp Polk Road
· Goodrich Road closed north of Hwy 126
· Holmes Road closed north of Fadjur Lane
Smoke Report: The current smoke outlook for Central Oregon can be found on the following page: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/6436a95d?
August 26, 2025
SISTERS, Ore. (August 26, 2025) — The Flat Fire is estimated at 23,261 acres after updated infrared (IR) mapping – with 7% containment. The fire is burning approximately two miles northeast of Sisters, Oregon.
Firefighters took advantage of cooler morning temperatures to gain ground on mop-up operations throughout the fire – even reaching 100-200 feet inside the fire, along the eastern and western perimeters. The southern end of the fire has remained the most active, and resources have shifted from other divisions to aid in the labor-intensive work needed there. Within the fire perimeter, wildland firefighters are addressing complex, patchy burn areas where fuel loads remain.
Structural resources are actively engaged with extinguishment around homes, as warm, shifting afternoon winds stir up hot spots. Fallers, specialized personnel who remove dangerous, fire-weakened trees, are working to ensure structural crews can access homes and continue mop-up operations around structures.
Overnight, crews will capitalize on cooler, more stable conditions to focus on the crucial task of securing lines ahead of the increased temperatures, winds, and decreased relative humidity expected later this week. This combination of conditions, known as critical fire weather, increases the risk for fuels to ignite, as well as the potential for torching and spotting. Firefighters are working tirelessly to complete this work ahead of the predicted weather shift.
Evacuations:
Evacuations are managed by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Level 1, 2, and 3 evacuations remain in effect under the direction of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Follow their Facebook pages for the latest information and updates. They can also be reached by phone: Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office at (541) 388-6655, and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (541) 475-6520.
A 24-hour evacuation shelter has been set up by the Red Cross at Highland Baptist Church located at: 3100 SW Highland Ave, Redmond, OR. Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Madras and Kerley Horse Center in Powell Butte are available for large animals.
Local Area closures: To help fire operations and firefighter safety, the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service ask that people stay out of the fire area.
The BLM has implemented closures, which can be found under the Prineville tab on the following page: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions.
As a reminder, drone use near fires is both illegal and extremely dangerous to pilots working on incidents. If you fly, we can’t. FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions are in place for the fire area. All illegal drone use will be reported to law enforcement.
Local Road closures: The Deschutes County Sheriff is managing several local road closures.
· Wilt Road is closed at Camp Polk Road
· Panoramic Drive is closed at Camp Polk Road
· Goodrich Road closed north of Hwy 126
· Holmes Road closed north of Fadjur Lane
Smoke Report: The current smoke outlook for Central Oregon can be found on the following page: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/6436a95d?
August 26, 2025
SISTERS, Ore. (August 26, 2025) — The Flat Fire is estimated at 21,971 acres with 7% containment. The fire is burning approximately two miles northeast of Sisters, Oregon. Infrared (IR) flights have not been possible due to weather conditions, and updated acreage will be provided once flights can occur.
Overnight, firefighters continued to make good progress on securing fire lines. Structural crews extinguished hot spots and conducted mop-up around homes throughout the night. Dozer operators worked to improve established line, and hand crews extended mop-up operations to 50 feet inside the perimeter in many areas.
Firefighters are aggressively conducting mop-up as they prepare for a shift in weather patterns, as warm, dry, and windy conditions are expected later this week. Mop-up is when firefighters methodically secure the fire’s edge and interior. Crews search for, dig out, and extinguish burning material, such as smoldering roots, stumps, or duff, while cooling hot spots. These areas can insulate embers deep beneath the surface, smoldering out of sight. As temperatures rise and humidity drops, those embers can flare back up if they aren’t cooled. This careful work is labor-intensive but essential, helping to strengthen lines, reducing the chance that lingering heat could flare up when conditions shift later this week.
Today, wildland resources working on the north end of the fire will be installing hose lays and working to remove overhead hazards. Crews working along the eastern edge of the fire will be conducting foot patrols between the Flat Fire and Alder Springs burn scar, connecting line where needed. On the southeastern perimeter, hand crews will be installing hose lays along dozer line. On the southwestern side of the fire, firefighters continue working to secure the Whychus Creek area and will be utilizing portable pumps to assist with the cooling of hot spots along Wilt Rd. On the western edge, mop-up will be extended to 100 feet inside the fire perimeter. Structural resources are positioned within residential areas, continuing to extinguish hot spots near homes and eliminate potential for reignition.
The community may see more smoke as the weather warms this week. Fire officials ask the public to remain alert and avoid fire traffic areas to help keep crews moving safely.
Evacuations:
Evacuations are managed by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuations remain in effect under the direction of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Follow their Facebook pages for the latest information and updates. They can also be reached by phone: Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office at (541) 388-6655, and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (541) 475-6520.
A 24-hour evacuation shelter has been set up by the Red Cross at Highland Baptist Church located at: 3100 SW Highland Ave, Redmond, OR. Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Madras and Kerley Horse Center in Powell Butte are available for large animals.
Local Area closures: To help fire operations and firefighter safety, the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service ask that people stay out of the fire area. The BLM has implemented closures, which can be found under the Prineville tab on the following page: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions.
As a reminder, drone use near fires is both illegal and extremely dangerous to pilots working on incidents. If you fly, we can’t. FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions are in place for the fire area. All illegal drone use will be reported to law enforcement.
Local Road closures: The Deschutes County Sheriff is managing several local road closures.
· Wilt Road is closed at Camp Polk Road
· Panoramic Drive is closed at Camp Polk Road
· Goodrich Road closed north of Hwy 126
· Holmes Road closed north of Fadjur Lane
Smoke Report: Air quality continues to change. For current conditions, please visit: https://fire.airnow.gov/
