The Flat Fire, which started Thursday evening in Deschutes and Jefferson counties. As of Sunday, it has grown to be almost 34 square miles (88 square kilometers) and is still 0% contained. This continuing blaze threatens nearly 4,000 homes. In response, evacuation orders have been issued for about 10,000 residents in the communities nearby.
223 personnel on the ground and 10 helicopters supporting aerial operations. Firefighters still focusing on control of the flames, as red flag conditions persist. Even when the situation is truly dire, fire officials remain optimistic as they wait for significant progress. At least the weather hasn’t been quite as apocalyptic since the fire began. On Sunday it was supposed to get up to 94F (34C). Forecasters cautioned that dangerously hot, triple-digit temperatures were likely to return in the near future.
Arson, in this case, was a secondary ignition source as the Flat Fire continues to burn quickly in hot and gusty conditions. Low humidity and an unstable air mass are exacerbating the conditions. An extreme heat warning has recently been issued for those battling the fire, adding yet another layer of difficulty to their mission. Isolated thunderstorms are as well in Southern Oregon, some of which could train north into the area.
In a shift of tone the previous day, fire officials said they were cautiously optimistic about stopping the fire’s advance. Eric Perkins, a spokesperson for the firefighting team, stated, “Today we’re looking much better. We have high hopes that we can stop the forward progression of this fire.” He noted that crews have made some progress in creating breaks around the fire to protect key areas but acknowledged that significant work remains.
“We were able to cut in some rough breaks around the fire to stop the spread around key areas and homes,” – Eric Perkins
Even with all that advancement, local officials are still encouraging residents to do what they can to avoid smoke inhalation. The Bay Area Air Quality District recommends that people avoid going outdoors. As long as it is beneficial and safe, keep your windows and doors closed until the smoke levels have subsided. They suggest keeping your vehicle’s ventilation system on re-circulate. Take advantage of air filtration systems or sheltering in Clean Air Centers such as libraries and malls.
“If possible, and temperatures allow, stay inside with windows and doors closed until smoke levels subside. Residents can also reduce their exposure to smoke by setting their car vent systems to re-circulate to prevent outside air from moving inside,” – Bay Area Air District
Even as firefighting efforts expand, officials are closely monitoring shifting weather patterns that could affect the fire’s movement. That deadly mix of extreme heat and severe thunderstorms is a dangerous double whammy for both firefighters and people living in affected communities.