Flat Fire grows overnight as firefighters brace for Red Flag Warning

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The Flat Fire continues to impact Jefferson and Deschutes counties after growing more than 100 acres overnight, officials announced Thursday.

The fire burning just two miles northeast of Sisters, Ore., is 23,380 acres and only 7% contained, according to the latest estimates from the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office.

READ MORE: Cause of Flat Fire still undetermined as containment efforts continue

Crews in the area say they are bracing for hot, dry conditions as the area remains under a Red Flag Warning through Friday.

“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,” the office said.

However, evacuation levels were reduced after fire crews made progress on the flames on Thursday afternoon as all Level 3 evacuation levels were reduced to Level 2 “Be Set.”

The most up-to-date information can be found on their Facebook pages below:

Flat Fire — Facebook page from Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
Flat Fire — Facebook page from Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office

Additionally, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office says there are four main road closures:

• Wilt Road is open from Camp Polk to Buffalo Drive
• Wilt Road is closed at Buffalo Drive
• Mountain View Drive closed beyond the 17700 block
• Panoramic Drive closed at Camp Polk Road
• Goodrich Road closed north of Hwy 126
• Holmes Road closed north of Fadjur Lane

A 24-hour evacuation shelter is located at the Red Cross at Highland Baptist Church (3100 SW Highland Ave. in Redmond. Large animals can be taken to the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Madras and the Kerley Horse Center in Powell Butte.

So far, the Flat Fire has destroyed 17 structures, including five homes, and damaged two other structures.

On Monday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved the use of federal funds to fight the fire after determining the potential for destruction could constitute a major disaster.

Despite some reports on social media and in other news outlets, Oregon State Fire Marshal Gert Zoutendijk told KOIN 6 News the cause of the fire has not been determined.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue our wildfire coverage.