Plenty of mop-up, line work remains on Bachelor Complex, other area wildfires as containment numbers rise

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- No evacuation notices remain in place, but area closures are still in effect as hundreds of firefighters continue mop-up work, bulldozer lines are built and burnout work planned to ensure the Little Lava and other fires don't spread. It's a similar situation on the Firestone and Flat Top fires to the east, officials said Wednesday.

Here's the full daily update:

Northwest 3 Complex Incident Management Team   
Lonnie Click ~ Incident Commander  
September 18, 2024

Bachelor Complex, Flat Top and Firestone Fires Update
September 18, 2024

Quick Facts: Bachelor Complex
Size: 10,958 acres                  
Start Date: Sept 8, 2024                 
Location: 20 miles SW Bend, OR
Personnel: 529                            
Containment: 29%

Quick Facts: Firestone & Flat Top Fires
Firestone Size: 9,195 acres     
Start Date: Sept 6, 2024                 
Location: North of Fort Rock, OR
Containment: 60%
Flat Top Size: 35,456 acres     
Personnel: 294                 
Containment: 43%        

All evacuation levels throughout the Bachelor Complex, Firestone and Flat Top fires in Deschutes and Lake Counties have been lifted. Deschutes National Forest emergency closures remain in effect. Moderated temperatures continued to help firefighters complete successful fire suppression tactics throughout the area.

Yesterday, dozer line construction continued for the Bachelor Complex on the northeastern and western edges of the Little Lava Fire.

On the Firestone Fire, crews used strategic burning operations to remove receptive fuels ahead of the fire to secure control lines south of Forest Service Road (FSR) 2310. Suppression repair work also progressed on the western flank of the fire’s perimeter. On the Flat Top Fire, hazard tree removal along FSR 22 was completed. Dozer lines have also been constructed to contain and stop any spread on the northern flank of the fire.   

Bachelor Complex: Today on the Little Lava Fire, firefighters continue to prepare a road system east of Siah Butte for a burnout operation planned for Friday or Saturday, depending on favorable conditions, to secure the southern side of the fire. Mop-up, patrol and suppression repair efforts will continue along the northeast end of the fire.

Thanks to an increase in firefighting resources and favorable weather conditions, firefighters have successfully established control lines along the western, southern and eastern perimeters of the Little Lava Fire. This progress has reduced the threat of the fire spreading in these directions.

The northern perimeter of the Little Lava Fire, however, encompasses steep and remote rocky terrain. Indirect control lines have been identified as a precautionary measure to contain this area if needed. Due to recent rain and cooler temperatures, it is unlikely that the fire will reach these control lines.

Nevertheless, this area will remain a focus for firefighters as they closely monitor weather conditions using aerial patrols and advanced predictive modeling to assess whether these lines will be necessary. While minimal fire growth is anticipated on the northern perimeter under these conditions, firefighters will remain vigilant and prepared to implement the indirect control lines if any changes in weather or fire behavior occur.

Flat Top Fire: Today, firefighters are preparing dozer line north of FSR 18 for strategic burning operations which may occur today or tomorrow depending on weather conditions. Suppression repair, mop-up, patrol and hazard tree removal will continue along the southern, western and northern flanks of the fire. 

Firestone Fire: If conditions are favorable, firefighters will continue burning operations today on the eastern edge of the fire along FSR 100 to connect and secure control lines. On the western flank, crews will continue to mop-up and patrol to ensure the fire remains within established control lines.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Fire behavior is expected to increase today. Pockets of unburned fuel within the fire perimeters will continue to burn and produce smoke. A warming and drying trend is moving into the area and will continue into Thursday. Highs are expected to reach the mid 60’s to around 70 degrees, with relative humidity around 30-35%. Light winds out of the east, southeast are expected today. 

Closures: There are two emergency closure areas on the Deschutes National Forest for these fires. To view the updated closure orders and maps, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/deschutes/alerts-notices. 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deschutesnationalforest/

InciWeb:           
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ordef-bachelor-complex-fires 
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ordef-flat-top-and-firestone-fires 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CentralOregonFireInfo?app=desktop

Fire Information Line: (541) 249-9829, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Smoke & Air Quality Information: fire.airnow.gov