Single Publication

July 26, 2023

Flat Fire Evening Update

Size: 23,104                                            

Start Date:  July 15, 2023

Point of origin: 2 miles southeast of Agness, OR

Containment: 3%

Cause: Human caused, Under Investigation

Total personnel: 1,593

Resources: 46 engines l 37 crews l 8 bulldozers l 30 water tenders l 8 masticators l 11 helicopters
 

Current Situation: Due to weather conditions, firing operations were postponed in the southwest of portion of the fire this afternoon. A combination of higher temperatures, low humidity and adverse winds weren’t conducive for burning. Crews have mopped up 25 feet in from the fire perimeter along Forest Road (FR) 3318 from its junction with FR 130 near Pine Grove Trailhead south down to FR 3680.

Tonight’s activities: Firefighters will focus on mopping up previously burned areas and strengthening control lines along the northern, western and southwestern flanks this evening. Crews are also working to complete vegetation reduction efforts along road systems and other control features in the northeastern portion of the fire. An additional spike camp was established closer to where firefighters are working in the southwest. Swing and night shift resources won’t have to drive as far to and from base camp and there will be even more overlap of personnel between shift changes to support suppression efforts.

Evacuations: The Level 2 “Get Set” evacuation notice for areas along the Rogue River Corridor from Quosatana Creek Campground to the Agness area was reduced to Level 1 “Get Ready” this afternoon. This includes the areas of Spud Road, Old House Creek Road and Oak Flat. The areas on the north side of the Rogue River in Old Agness up to Illahe Lodge will also all be at a Level 1.

Some areas outside the burn area to the southwest will remain in Level 2 while fire crews continue to further secure control lines. The Curry County Sheriff’s Office will continue to coordinate with the Fire Incident Management Team and will notify all residents affected by the fire of any reasons to change evacuation levels.

Curry County is using Everbridge to send evacuation notices.  You can sign up for notifications here: https://www.co.curry.or.us/departments/emergency_management/index.php.

Weather: Weather conditions will continue to warm and dry over the next few days. Winds are predicted from the northeast to northwest, with gusts around 20 mph.

Smoke: The Smoke Outlooks are available at: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/en/b74901f7

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. Oak Flat Campground, Game Lake Campground, Wild Horse Campground and Snow Camp Lookout Recreation Rentals are all closed as part of the area closure. More information can be found here: bit.ly/RRSNFClosures.

Restrictions: Fire Restrictions are in place, to learn more visit: fs.usda.gov/rogue-siskiyou

Campfires are only permitted in designated campgrounds that have metal fire rings. Ensure your campfire is thoroughly extinguished before leaving.

Fire Information:(541)216-4579       Media inquiries: (541)237-6369      Email: 2023.flat.or@firenet.gov