Single Publication

July 23, 2023

Flat Fire Evening Update

Start Date:  July 15, 2023

Size: 20,232   

Point of origin: 2 miles southeast of Agness, OR

Cause: Human caused, Under Investigation

Total personnel: 1,497

Resources: 40 engines l 36 crews l 8 bulldozers l 26 water tenders l 8 masticators l 8 helicopters
 

Current Situation: Firefighters have been building line, burning out, and mopping up (extinguishing hot spots) in completed burnout areas. Fire personnel are also scouting and strategically planning for primary, alternate, and contingency control lines around the perimeter of the fire. Tomorrow, smoke may be visible in nearby communities.

Tonight’s activities: Night shift crews will be patrolling the fire perimeter and working to ep the fire within the control lines. Swing shift in combination with night shift crews will continue burnout operations in the northeast section of the fire to further secure control lines.

Evacuations: Curry County is sending evacuation notices utilizing Everbridge. Sign up below https://www.co.curry.or.us/departments/emergency_management/index.php The areas of Oak Flat, Old House Creek Road and Spud Road that were previously in a Level 3 Evacuation were downgraded to a Level 2 “Get Set”.  A Level 2 evacuation notice also remains in effect from Agness to Quosatana Creek.

Weather: Tomorrow’s forecast is for cooler weather which will help with firefighters working to suppress the fire.

Smoke: The Smoke Outlooks are available at oregonsmoke.org and airnow.gov

Closures: The Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest has issued a closure order for the fire area including trails, roads, and a portion of the Illinois River. bit.ly/RRSNFClosures

Restrictions: Fire Restrictions are in place fs.usda.gov/rogue-siskiyou

Please slow down and be careful when driving near fire traffic in the area.