Single Publication

July 26, 2023

Flat Fire Morning 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: Crews have been successful bringing fire down the Wildhorse Road on the western side of the fire.  A combination of burn out operations and mop up will take place on the northern flank of the fire.  On the west and northeast side of the fire, alternate firelines are being established as a protective measure if primary control lines do not hold.  Fire managers are monitoring a small spot fire with minimal fire behavior off the southeastern edge of the fire.  Structure protection groups will remain in the communities of Oak Flat, Spud Road, and Agness. 

Today’s activities:  On the north side of the fire, firefighters continue to mop up and secure the fire line edge.  Resources will continue to reduce vegetation off Forest Road (FR) 3318 (Wildhorse Road).  Coos Forest Protective Association and South Coast Lumber Company will establish alternate control lines west of FR 3318.  Crews are preparing to carry the firing operation further south, along FR 3680.  Forces working west from Game Lake are readying for firing operations to tie together the southwestern side of the fire.  On the eastern side of the fire, work is being done off FR 2308 (Burnt Ridge Road) utilizing machinery.  Unstaffed Aerial Systems (UAS) and helicopters will be assisting with firing operations.  Fire managers continue to look at options to suppress the fire directly and keep the fire as small as possible.

Evacuations: A Level 2 “Get Set” evacuation notice remains in effect from Agness to Quosatana Creek and for the areas of Oak Flat, Old House Creek Road and Spud Road.  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: Slightly warming temperatures and lower humidities are expected over the fire 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 permitted in designated areas only 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