Single Publication

Anvil Fire

Size: 21,293 acres | Start Date:  August 25, 2023 | Location:  8 miles east of Port Orford, OR | Containment:  16%  | Total personnel: 1,362 | Resources: 38 crews, 8 helicopters, 50 engines 

Crews leveraged favorable weather conditions to bolster containment lines, resulting in increased containment percentage, despite additional growth. A strategic burning operation was completed on the northern edge of the fire perimeter to remove vegetation and provide critical defensible space near residences should the forecasted winds of 55 miles per hour from the south come before forecasted wetting rains arrive across the fire. Heavy equipment including dozers and masticators from the Coos Forest Protective Association (CFPA) completed and extended contingency lines south of the Sixes River corridor.

The most active portion of the fire yesterday was in the northeast corner, where the fire has now crossed the South Fork of the Sixes River.  Firefighters were successful in corralling small fires started by embers outside of containment lines near the Sunshine Bar area.  Aided considerably by 155,000 gallons of water from helicopters, crews and heavy equipment were able to limit spread. Along the Elk River corridor, firefighters continue to patrol the contained fireline, especially where burning material could roll down steep slopes and potentially cross the containment lines.

Fire meteorologists are not certain whether the intense winds or heavy rains will reach the Anvil Fire area first. The incident meteorologist will update fire personnel throughout the day so crews can safely engage the fire and navigate road systems impacted by substantial rains. 

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.  The Red Cross shelter in Port Orford is in standby to support any evacuees who may need assistance.

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: 11 | Resources: 3 engines 

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

General Information 

Weather: A meteorologist assigned to the fires will provide frequent updates throughout the day today as the weather system enters the area.  The current forecast includes gusting southerly winds of up to 55 mph on ridges.  The offshore flow may begin to produce minimal rain beginning early Sunday morning.  The majority of wetting rain is forecast to begin Sunday afternoon.  Projected rain accumulations from Sunday through Tuesday range from 2 to 4 inches, triggering potentially dangerous debris flows throughout the fire area. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch effective from 11 PM today through 8 PM Monday evening. Debris flows are possible over recently burned areas.

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. 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, https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ and Oregon Department of Transportation site, https://www.tripcheck.com/.  Do not use forest roads for alternate routes.