Northwest 3 Complex Incident Management Team assumed command of fires on the Deschutes National Forest Tuesday. The team is developing strategic plans while continuing ongoing fire suppression operations for the Bachelor Complex Fires, the Firestone Fire and the Flat Top Fire. There are Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuation notices in or near fire areas, and Forest area closures orders are in effect. Aircraft dropped water to moderate fire spread on Monday and flew reconnaissance missions to aid in planning. More firefighting resources are expected to arrive today.
Bachelor Complex: The Bachelor Complex is a group of about 30 fires that range from one tenth of an acre to over 1,000 acres. The Little Lava Fire, about two miles southeast of Little Lava Lake, was very active on Monday moving to the east and grew to approximately 2,500 acres. Firefighters constructed dozer line in strategic locations to slow fire spread. The 85-acre Backside Fire has line around all edges and crews are mopping up by cooling interior hot spots. Firefighters are working to improve indirect control lines along the Forest Service Road 4525 and Forest Service Road 45 on the southeast corner of the Batchelor Complex to minimize potential spread of the Little Lava Fire. Fire suppression efforts are ongoing for other fires in the complex.
Flat Top Fire: Winds from the north and northwest increased fire behavior on the Flat Top Fire on Monday, and the fire grew on all edges fed by seasonally dry vegetation. The fire is currently estimated at 14,400 acres. On the southeast end of the Flat Fire, the Cabin Lake Guard Station remains secure.
Firestone Fire: The Firestone Fire also actively burned on Monday with wind increasing fire behavior at all edges and growth in the northeast corner. It is approximately 6,800 acres. Firefighters are working to connect roads for both the Flat Top and Firestone Fires to be used as direct and indirect containment lines.
Weather and Fire Behavior: Overnight humidity recoveries will help to delay the start of the burn period today, but firefighters expect very active fire by early afternoon and into the evening. Today should be hot and dry over all fire areas. Vegetation is seasonally dry and will support rapid fire spread and intensity even under moderate weather conditions or low wind speeds.
Evacuations: Emergency management and fire officials are coordinating closely and adjusting evacuation levels as needed. Level 3 evacuations mean “Go Now,” Level 2 means “Be Set,” and Level 1 means “Be Ready.” To view current evacuation levels, please visit the Deschutes County Emergency Information Interactive Map at: https://experience.arcgis.com/
CLOSURES: There are two closure areas on the Deschutes National Forest for these fires. View the orders on the Deschutes National Forest site at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/
Fire Information Line: 541-249-9829, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
