Rogue Valley Crews Deploy To Flat Fire As Statewide Response Expands

Medford, Oregon- A Rogue Valley strike team known as Task Force 52 left early Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, to support firefighting operations on the Flat Fire burning in Jefferson and Deschutes counties.

The task force will provide point protection for homes and critical infrastructure and will directly engage flames if structures come under threat.

Task Force 52 includes firefighters from the Medford Fire Department, Grants Pass Fire, Applegate Fire District, Ashland Fire & Rescue, and Fire District 3. Their deployment consists of three Type 3 engines, one Type 6 engine, a water tender, and a Strike Team Leader with an aide.

Several of the engines are part of the Oregon State Fire Marshal Engine Program, which pre-positions fire apparatus around the state so they can be quickly mobilized when large incidents occur.

The Flat Fire ignited Thursday afternoon near Lake Billy Chinook and, fueled by hot, dry and windy conditions, has burned an estimated more than 9,000 acres. On Friday, Gov. Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act, clearing the way for additional resources, including state fire marshal task forces like Task Force 52, to join the fight.

State officials say crews are working to protect structures in the fire’s path while contending with difficult weather and heavy fuels. More than 350 wildland firefighters are already on scene, with additional teams mobilizing over the weekend.

Evacuations And Community Impact

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office issued a mix of Level 1 (“Be Ready”), Level 2 (“Get Set”), and Level 3 (“Go Now”) evacuation notices around Lake Billy Chinook. Deschutes County followed with additional warnings near Whychus Creek, Stevens Canyon, and other rural areas along the county line.

A temporary evacuation site was established at Highland Baptist Church in Redmond, and RV parking has been made available at the Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center through Aug. 26. The Jefferson County Fairgrounds is accepting large animals displaced by the fire.

Smoke And Air Quality

Heavy smoke from the Flat Fire has settled across Central Oregon, prompting air quality advisories. In Bend, air quality index readings ranged from unhealthy for sensitive groups to unhealthy levels on Friday, while Sisters and Sunriver also reported deteriorated conditions. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality said the smoke advisory will remain in effect at least through Monday evening.

Medford Alert News will continue to monitor the Flat Fire and provide updates as they become available.