Single Publication

Anvil Fire

Size: 21,842 acres | Start Date:  August 25, 2023 | Location:  8 miles east of Port Orford, OR | Containment:  17% | Total personnel: 1,238   | Resources: 33 crews, 10 helicopters, 47 engines

Yesterday, slippery dirt roads and small landslides limited travel into the fire area.  Fire crews remained in the camp for the day and found shelter from the heavy rains that continued to fall throughout the day.  Neither helicopters nor unmanned aircraft systems were able to fly due to the rain and gusty winds.  No growth was measured on the fire for the second day in a row.

Today, firefighters will begin the day by assessing the extent of the rain and the status of the roads and trails that have been used to access the fire perimeter.  As conditions allow, they will reengage in fire suppression actions.  Primary fire containment lines will be their first priority, with an emphasis on the northeast corner of the fire, where the fire has crossed the South Fork Sixes River.  The rain, although widespread, is not enough to fully contain the Anvil Fire.  Expect to see continued fire activity over the coming weeks, until more significant rain or snow covers the fire area.  It will continue to smolder in heavy vegetation and downed timber until humidity drops and temperatures warm enough to allow flames to burn more actively again. 

Evacuations:  Curry County Sheriff’s Office has identified four evacuation zones around the Anvil Fire.  Yesterday afternoon, the Sheriff was able to reduce the evacuation levels.  Zones 1, 2, and 4 are now in Level 2 “Get Set” status.  Residents may return home but should be prepared to evacuate should fire activity increase again.  Zone 3 is now in Level 1 “Ready” status.  All residents should remain attentive to changing conditions until the fire is more fully contained and the evacuations can be lifted completely.  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 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:  Heavy rain fell over both fires in the past 36 hours.  Some areas recorded up to 4” so far.  Showers will continue today with up to another ¾” forecast.  Winds will continue from the south/southwest. Showers taper off this evening, but multiple chances of light showers will continue through Friday.  Wednesday winds will shift to lighter westerly breezes.  By the weekend, the trend will dry out and temperatures may begin to climb slightly.

Smoke:  Visit https://bit.ly/SWORsmoke for current smoke and air quality updates. 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.

Transition:  Today is the final day for Great Basin Team 4 on the Anvil and Flat Fires. Tomorrow morning, Southwest Team 1 will assume command of the fire and continue to support and work with the local land management agencies, cooperators, and stakeholders.  All firefighting resources will continue to be based at the camp at Cape Blanco State Park.  Public information resources will remain the same.