Single Publication

Anvil Fire

Size: 18,691 acres | Start Date:  August 25, 2023 | Location:  8 miles east of Port Orford, OR | Containment:  9% | Total personnel: 1,256 | Resources: 36 crews, 8 helicopters, 39 engines

Yesterday the Anvil Fire reached 9% containment due to the successful work of crews along the Elk River Road on the west side of the fire. Over 188,000 gallons of water were dropped by helicopters supporting crews on the ground. 

Crews continue fortifying containment lines on the north side of the fire from Grassy Knob to China Peak. Retardant was used on the north side to reinforce fireline crews are constructing.  The north side of the fire has been active due to the shifting winds. Winds from the south are expected to gust up to 40 mph on ridgetops on Friday. 

Another small fire was detected yesterday south of the Elk River after burning embers carried heat from the main fire a short distance away. Firefighters took swift action on the spot fire after it was located in steep rugged terrain while helicopters dropped 40,000 gallons of water to limit growth.  Crews will continue to work to contain the spot and utilize infrared devices to look for additional spots in this area. Crews throughout the fire area will remain hyper vigilant as weather conditions change over the next several shifts.

Additional firefighters are working on contingency containment lines around the perimeter of the fire that would be used as the fire continues to grow to the west and north. The east side of the fire that crossed Forest Road 5201 in the drainage is burning in steep, inaccessible terrain. Planning is underway to identify successful places where containment lines could be constructed in the Copper Salmon Wilderness.

Evacuations:  Curry County Sheriff’s Office has identified four evacuation zones around the Anvil Fire.  Zones 1 and 4 are in Level 3 “Go“ evacuation status.  Zones 2 and 3 are in Level 2 “Get Set“ status.  View the interactive evacuation map at https://bit.ly/45UIh2E. Sign up for Curry Co. emergency alerts at https://bit.ly/CurryCoEM. 

Area and Road Closures:  For the safety of firefighters and the public, the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest (RRSNF) and Coos Bay District Bureau of Land Management have issued closure orders for the Anvil Fire area.  Find maps and closure information at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-closures/orrsf-anvil-fire.

Flat Fire

Size:  34,242 acres | Start Date:  July 15, 2023 | Location:  2 miles southeast of Agness, OR | Containment:  75%  |  Total personnel:  12 | Resources: 3 engines 

The RRSNF closure remains in effect, https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-closures/xx1002-flat-fire.

General Information

Weather: Friday, winds will turn westerly in the afternoon, with ridge gusts near 15 mph possible. As the weekend approaches, a cooler trend is expected and there is an increasing chance of rain. Winds will shift to the south with gusts up to 40 mph.  While it will take significant rain or snow to fully contain both fires, the rain would be a welcome relief and assist firefighters in their efforts.  A meteorologist is working closely with fire managers to monitor the weather and share information to support planning and adjustment of plans as necessary to ensure the safety of firefighters in all weather conditions, both those that cause increases in fire activity and those that may trigger runoff or flooding.

Smoke:  Visit https://bit.ly/SWORsmoke for current smoke and air quality updates. Smoke and the marine cloud layer are mingling and settling in the lower elevations overnight causing limited visibility along highways.  Please drive slowly and with headlights on through any fire area.  Heavy equipment and firefighter transportation vehicles are also using the area highways and roads.

Caltrans issued a schedule of road closures and lane restrictions on US-199 northeast from Crescent City. Local law enforcement cautions against any non-essential traffic along this route. For specific information on road access, please see the Caltrans QuickMap site at: https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ and Oregon Department of Transportation site at: https://www.tripcheck.com/.  Do not use forest roads for alternate routes.