Single Publication

Northwest 3 Complex Incident Management Team   
Lonnie Click ~ Incident Commander  
September 15, 2024

Bachelor Complex and Flat Top and Firestone Fires Update

Quick Facts: Bachelor Complex
Size: 10,801 acres         Start Date: Sept 8, 2024             Location: Mt Bachelor, 20 miles SW Bend, OR   
Personnel: 520  
                 
Quick Facts: Firestone & Flat Top Fires
Firestone Size: 9,188 acres     Start Date: Sept 6, 2024     Location: North of Fort Rock, OR   
Flat Top Size: 34,985 acres   
Personnel: 283                

Yesterday, firefighters continued to construct firelines, conduct strategic firing operations, and mop up on the Bachelor Complex, Flat Top, and Firestone Fires. The Bachelor Complex did have an increase in acreage due to some moderate fire activity and burnout operations near Sheridan Mountain and Road 4528 and Lolo Butte near Road 4030 to secure the eastern flank of the Little Lava Fire. The Lucky Butte Fire near the Cascade crest continues to be monitored and has not experienced any significant growth. Mop up continues on the Backside and 911 Fires. On the Flat Top Fire, firefighters were able to perform strategic firing operations to help secure fireline along the western flank south of Willow Butte and the northeast corner from FSR 410 towards FSR 470 and FSR 18. During burnout operations on the north end of the fire, aerial and ground resources stopped forward progression.  of a spot fire from the burnout. Crews also worked night shifts to patrol and secure these areas.  

Bachelor Complex:  On the Little Lava Fire, crews will continue to perform burnout operations as needed to secure the south flank of the fire. Firefighters will continue fireline construction on the north flank of the fire and scout for opportunities to establish and connect control line to Edison Trail north of the Little Lava Fire perimeter. Improving control lines and conducting mop-up on the Backside and 911 Fires will continue. The Lucky Butte Fire will continue to be monitored.   

Flat Top Fire: Burnout operations near Willow Butte and the northeast corner of the fire from FSR 410 towards FSR 470 and FSR 18 will continue today. Crews will mop-up and secure firing operations from yesterday.
Firestone Fire: Firefighters will continue mop-up operations on south and west flanks of the fire, prepare FSR 22 for burnout operations and construct fireline on the north flank.   

Weather and Fire Behavior: The Bachelor Complex may receive a 10% chance of rain with Firestone and Flat Top fires likely to see a 40% chance of rain and possible thunderstorms this afternoon. Wind is expected to shift from the west to a north-northeasterly direction with possible wind gusts up to 22 mph. The Bachelor Complex is expecting high temperatures in the 50s and the Firestone and Flat Top Fires in the 60s.   

Evacuations: Emergency management and fire officials are reevaluating evacuation levels daily. 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 emergency closure areas on the Deschutes National Forest for these fires. 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.

Smoke & Air Quality Information: fire.airnow.gov