California management team takes command of Second Flat Fire as crews conduct strategic burns

California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 assumed command of the Second Flat Fire today as the blaze reached 86,504 acres. The lightning-caused fire is currently 5 percent contained.

Firefighters are actively conducting strategic firing operations-intentionally burning vegetation to create a buffer-from Lone Pine Road to Sunflower Road to establish containment lines. These operations continued throughout the night as crews took advantage of lower temperatures and higher humidity to mop up and patrol the area.

A total of 205 personnel are assigned to the fire. The Oregon State Fire Marshal has five task forces assigned to the incident.

A top priority for crews remains the protection of the communities of Burns and Hines, as well as critical infrastructure such as transmission lines.

Weather and Hazards: Fire officials warn that near critical fire weather will persist throughout the week. Conditions are expected to remain very dry, with humidity levels in the low teens and afternoon winds driven by local terrain.

Evacuations and Safety Evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect. Those living near the fire are encouraged to monitor the Harney County Sheriff and Harney County Emergency Management Facebook pages for the latest updates.

The public is asked to avoid the fire area to allow emergency personnel to operate safely. For daily updates, residents can visit the 2026 Burns Basin Fires Facebook page. A fire information line has been established at 541-970-7130.

Current smoke levels and air quality information are available at airnow.gov. For road conditions and potential impacts to local travel, visit www.tripcheck.com.