BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Continued cooler, calmer weather have made for more progress on major fires burning around Central Oregon and the region, officials said in Saturday’s daily updates.
The Deschutes National Forest advised Saturday afternoon that smoke could be visible as firefighters conduct burnout operations on the west side of the Little Lava Fire and the north and southwestern edges of the Flat Top fire, to remove unburned fuels between constructed line, a natural feature or a road and the fire’s edge.
Northwest 3 Complex Incident Management Team
Lonnie Click ~ Incident Commander
September 14, 2024
Bachelor Complex and Flat Top and Firestone Fires Update
Quick Facts: Bachelor Complex
Size: 10,801 acres Start Date: Sept 8, 2024 Location: 20 miles SW Bend, OR
Personnel: 436
Quick Facts: Firestone & Flat Top Fires
Firestone Size: 9,117 acres Start Date: Sept 6, 2024 Location: North of Fort Rock, OR
Flat Top Size: 33,172 acres Personnel: 229
Yesterday, firefighters continued to establish containment lines and conduct strategic burning operations on the Bachelor Complex, Flat Top and Firestone Fires. Due to the decrease in temperatures and wind, the fires produced less smoke than in previous days. Unburned pockets of vegetation continue to burn and produce smoke within the interior of the Firestone and Flat Top Fires. Crews also worked night shifts to patrol and secure these areas. These are priority fires in the region and more personnel, heavy equipment and aerial resources continue to arrive to support suppression efforts. Today, firefighters will continue to establish and secure containment lines and conduct tactical burning operations around the Bachelor Complex, Flat Top and Firestone Fires.