08/28/2025
Flat Fire Morning Update August 28, 2025
Firefighters Brace for Hot, Dry Conditions Under Red Flag Warning
SISTERS, Ore. (August 28, 2025) — The Flat Fire, burning approximately two miles northeast of Sisters, Oregon, is estimated at 23,380 acres and is 7% contained. Acreage reflects the most current infrared (IR) flight.
Overnight, crews used IR technology to detect heat and locate hotspots up to 150 feet from the perimeter, allowing firefighters to continue targeted mop-up operations. In some areas, mop-up was extended up to 300 feet from control lines toward the interior. Near Whychus Creek Canyon, IR scans showed only minimal hotspots around homes, a direct result from work completed by both structural and wildland crews in anticipation of today and Friday’s critical fire weather.
Today, firefighters will face hot, dry conditions and gusty afternoon winds. The fire area is under a Red Flag Warning through Friday. These weather conditions will challenge the work already in place and test established lines.
Wildland crews along the south end of the fire are working inside the canyon, while structural crews are positioned to protect homes along the rim. Later today, west winds are expected to increase, bringing downslope gusts that will create hotter, drier, and more challenging conditions. West-northwest winds will reveal hidden hotspots and may revive the flames for some of the spots. In anticipation of this expected wind shift, additional resources have been moved to the south and southeastern perimeter. Structural and wildland crews are in position, ready to defend homes and at-risk areas. Firefighters remain focused on protecting the community and holding the line through this period of heightened fire weather.
Homeowners returning to the area should expect to see ongoing firefighting activity, including smoke from the fire’s interior. Smoke plumes will continue to be visible within the entire interior of the fire footprint. Structural and wildland crews are on the line 24 hours a day, focusing on strengthening containment lines and reducing hazards.
Evacuations:
Evacuations are managed by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Level 1, 2, and 3 evacuations remain in effect under the direction of the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. Follow their pages for the latest information and updates. They can also be reached by phone: Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office at (541) 388-6655, and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (541) 475-6520.
A 24-hour evacuation shelter has been set up by the Red Cross at Highland Baptist Church located at: 3100 SW Highland Ave, Redmond, OR. Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Madras and Kerley Horse Center in Powell Butte are available for large animals.
Local Area closures: To help fire operations and firefighter safety, the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service ask that people stay out of the fire area.
The BLM has implemented closures, which can be found under the Prineville tab on the following page: https://www.blm.gov/.../oregon-washington/fire-restrictions.
The U.S. Forest Service has implemented closures, which can be found on the following page: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes/alerts
As a reminder, drone use near fires is both illegal and extremely dangerous to pilots working on incidents. If you fly, we can’t. FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions are in place for the fire area. All illegal drone use will be reported to law enforcement.
Local Road closures: The Deschutes County Sheriff is managing several local road closures.
• Wilt Road is open from Camp Polk to Buffalo Drive
• Wilt Road is closed at Buffalo Drive
• Mountain View Drive is closed beyond the 17700 block
• Panoramic Drive is closed at Camp Polk Road
• Goodrich Road closed north of Hwy 126
• Holmes Road closed north of Fadjur Lane
Smoke Report: The current smoke outlook for Central Oregon can be found on the following page: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/6436a95d?
