Oregon Flat Fire Continues to Burn Near Sisters with Limited Containment

written by a member of the WCB

The Flat Fire burning northeast of Sisters, Oregon has consumed an estimated 21,971 acres and remains at only 7% containment, according to officials. Weather conditions have prevented infrared flights needed to update the exact size of the blaze.

Firefighting crews made notable progress overnight securing fire lines around the perimeter. Structural teams have been conducting mop-up operations around homes, while dozer operators improved established containment lines. Hand crews have extended mop-up operations up to 50 feet inside the fire's edge in many areas.

Fire officials are preparing for challenging conditions as weather forecasts predict warm, dry, and windy conditions later this week. These changing conditions make the current mop-up operations particularly crucial, as they help prevent embers from reigniting when conditions deteriorate.

Several thousand residents remain under evacuation orders, though authorities have reduced evacuation levels in some areas including the Lower McKenzie Canyon and Stevens Canyon regions, which have been downgraded from Level 3 (Go Now) to Level 2 (Be Set).

More than 1,300 personnel have been assigned to battle the blaze, with air resources including large air tankers standing by if needed. The Red Cross has established a 24-hour evacuation shelter at Highland Baptist Church in Redmond, with additional facilities available for large animals at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Madras and Kerley Horse Center in Powell Butte.

The fire has destroyed four homes and damaged another, while six additional structures have been destroyed and one damaged. Residents in the area are urged to remain vigilant as firefighters continue their efforts against the blaze.