Flat Fire Explodes to 18,000 Acres as Oregon Mobilizes Additional Resources

Sisters, Oregon- The Flat Fire in Central Oregon has exploded to an estimated 18,000 acres with zero percent containment, fire officials said Saturday, as crews continue to battle difficult conditions of hot weather, dry fuels and rugged terrain.

Authorities said an infrared flight is planned tomorrow to provide a more accurate acreage figure. The fire, which started Aug. 21, remains under investigation.

On Aug. 22, a conflagration was declared, and unified command was established with the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Red Team and the Central Oregon Interagency Management Type 3 Team. Today, Oregon Department of Forestry Team 3 is taking over from COIMT3.

“Structural task forces remain focused on defending homes and critical infrastructure—preparing for expected increases in fire activity throughout the day,” OSFM Incident Commander Ian Yocum said.

Initial attack on the fire included federal, state, and local agencies, with heavy air support for ground crews. Officials reported two Very Large Air Tankers, eight Single Engine Air Tankers, and five Type 1 helicopters were used Friday, assisting 10 crews, 13 engines, seven water tenders, 12 pieces of heavy equipment, and nine structural task forces. Six more structural task forces are set to join operations today.

OSFM resources worked through Friday and into the night on point protection around homes and critical infrastructure. Local fire agencies—including Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District, Cloverdale RFPD, Lake Chinook Fire & Rescue, and Crooked River Ranch—were credited with protecting communities in the fire’s early hours.

On the southern portion of the fire, crews are scouting for opportunities to safely build direct fire line, said Pepe Delgado, Incident Commander Trainee. Officials said the fire has spread into the Whychus and Deschutes canyons, where access is difficult.

Level 1, 2, and 3 evacuations remain in effect in both Jefferson and Deschutes counties under the direction of the respective sheriffs’ offices. A temporary evacuation point has been established at Highland Baptist Church in Redmond. The Jefferson County Fairgrounds is available for large animals, with assistance from the Pet Evacuation Team.

The Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service are asking the public to avoid the fire area to help operations and protect firefighter safety.

Fire at a Glance

Start Date: Aug. 21, 2025

Size: Estimated 18,000 acres Containment: 0%

Cause: Under investigation

Evacuations: Levels 1, 2 and 3 in effect for Deschutes and Jefferson counties Incident

Commanders: Rob Fore, Central Oregon Interagency Incident Management Team 3; Ian Yocum, Oregon State Fire Marshal Red Team

Information Line: 503-383-9647

Road Closures: tripcheck.com