Single Publication

Northwest 3 Complex Incident Management Team   
Lonnie Click ~ Incident Commander  
September 13, 2024

Bachelor Complex and Flat Top and Firestone Fires Update

Quick Facts: Bachelor Complex  
Size: 10,333 acres                   Start Date: Sept 8, 2024                   Location: Mt Bachelor, 20 miles SW Bend, OR  
Personnel: 365                                       

Quick Facts: Firestone & Flat Top Fires  
Firestone Size: 8,787 acres     Start Date: Sept 6, 2024                   Location: North of Fort Rock, OR  
Flat Top Size: 30,643 acres     Personnel: 159                                  

Yesterday, firefighters continued to establish containment lines on the Bachelor Complex, Flat Top and Firestone Fires. Throughout the afternoon, air tankers and helicopters continuously dropped water and retardant to slow spread on the Flat Top Fire. Firefighters conducted strategic burning operations on the Little Lava, Flat Top, and Firestone Fires which saw an increase in smoke production later in the day. Crews also worked night shifts to patrol and secure these areas. The Deschutes National Forest expanded their temporary closure areas on Thursday afternoon and the updated closure areas include additional developed recreation sites. A recording from Wednesday’s public meeting has been posted to Facebook: facebook.com/deschutesnationalforest/. 

These are priority fires in the region and more personnel, heavy equipment and aerial resources continue to arrive to support suppression efforts. Today, the fires were assigned a dedicated air attack to coordinate aerial suppression operations. Firefighters will continue to establish and secure containment lines and conduct tactical burning operations around the Bachelor Complex, Flat Top and Firestone Fires.

Bachelor Complex: The higher elevation fires in the Bachelor Complex near the Cascade crest have experienced minimal fire growth over the last two days due to cooler temperatures, higher moisture levels and good overnight humidity recovery. As moisture levels drop and temperatures rise today and Saturday, expect to see more smoke along the edges of these fires. Yesterday, firefighters completed burning operations to the south of the Little Lava Fire to Forest Service Road (FSR) 4525. Crews continued to mop up and secure the portion of the fire east of FSR 45. Today, firefighters will scout for opportunities to establish a control line north of this fire to Edison Trail. On the Backside and 911 Fires, crews will continue to strengthen containment lines and mop up operations. 

Flat Top Fire: As humidity levels dropped yesterday afternoon, grass and brushy fuels became available for ignition and the Flat Top Fire saw increased fire activity with flanking to the north. Firefighters used retardant drops ahead of dozers line to keep the fire from spreading. Today, firefighters plan to continue strategic firing operations on the ground to help secure control lines along the north and northeast sides of the fire. This will result in increased smoke production over the fire. 

Firestone Fire: Yesterday, firefighters conducted burning operations along the southern and southwestern flanks of the fire near the base of East Butte to Forest Service Road 220. Today, crews will prep roads south and southeast of the fire in preparation for potential burning operations in the coming days. 

Safety: With increased fire traffic, everyone in the area is reminded to drive slowly and carefully on road systems near the fire suppression operations. If you don’t need to be in the area, please stay clear to allow firefighters plenty of time and space to work.

Weather and Fire Behavior: The Bachelor Complex fires will dry out a little with temperatures today and Saturday in the mid-60s. This afternoon, west winds could gust up to 18 mph. The Little Lava Fire may see some flanking fire and individual tree torching this afternoon with low rates of spread. On the Firestone and Flat Top Fires, moisture levels will drop and are expected to reach 20-25% relative humidity this afternoon with warm weather in the mid-70’s. West winds will pick up this afternoon with gusts up to 15 mph. These conditions may result in increased fire activity. Cool temperatures from a system coming up from Northern California are forecasted beginning early next week as well as an increased chance for wetting rain. Currently, there is potential for isolated thunderstorms Sunday night.  

Evacuations: Emergency management and fire officials are closely coordinating 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: http://www.deschutes.org/emergency. For Lake County evacuation information, please visit: https://www.lakecountyor.org/flat_top.php  

Closures: There are two closure areas on the Deschutes National Forest for these fires. Both closure areas were expanded on Thursday, September 12, and include additional developed recreation sites. View the updated closure orders and maps on the Deschutes National Forest site at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/deschutes/alerts-notices.   

Facebook:  
https://www.facebook.com/deschutesnationalforest/

InciWeb:  
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ordef-bachelor-complex-fires  
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ordef-flat-top-and-firestone-fires 

YouTube:  
https://www.youtube.com/@CentralOregonFireInfo?app=desktop

Fire Information Line: 541-249-9829, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.