Bachelor Complex Fires (ORDEF)

Wildfire Status:

The Bachelor Complex Fires, which include the Little Lava Fire, Backside Fire, and several smaller lightning-caused fires, are currently active in the Deschutes National Forest, approximately 20 miles southwest of Bend, Oregon. As of September 19, 2024, the complex has burned approximately 10,958 acres with only 29% of its perimeter contained. The Little Lava Fire is the largest within the complex, encompassing 9,848 acres, while the Backside Fire has been fully contained at 83 acres. The fires began on September 6, 2024, and a total of 529 personnel are currently involved in firefighting efforts.

The response from fire agencies includes direct line construction with crews and dozers on the north side of the fire, as well as mop-up operations on the east side of Little Lava. The Backside and 911 fires have completed their line construction and are in the mop-up phase, with air patrols monitoring the area. A temporary emergency fire closure has been issued for the affected areas, which will remain in effect through December 1, 2024, unless lifted sooner.

Weather conditions are a growing concern as warmer and drier weather is expected to dry out fuels, potentially increasing smoldering and creeping behavior later in the burn period. High temperatures are forecasted to range between 57-63 degrees Fahrenheit with relative humidity dipping to around 35-40%. A weak north to east terrain-driven flow is also anticipated, with gusts reaching 10-12 mph, which may further complicate firefighting efforts.

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