Single Publication

August 14, 2023

Flat Fire Morning Update

Size: 33,861  acres                                        

Start Date:  July 15, 2023

Point of origin: 2 miles southeast of Agness, OR

Containment: 56%

Total personnel: 539

Resources: 16 engines l 7 crews l 3 bulldozers l 24 water tenders l 8 masticators l 4 helicopters

Highlights:  Fire behavior remains minimal, similar to previous days with smoldering, creeping activity with slight increases in interior burning. There is potential for increased fire behavior, especially on ridge tops within the fire perimeter as extreme fire weather conditions continue.  While minimal, fire activity remains in the Lawson Creek and Indigo Creek drainages. Crews continue to mop-up and patrol along the fire perimeter. Aerial resources assess remote areas of the fire that are difficult and unsafe for firefighters to access. Initial attack resources from the Flat Fire, including crews, and water tenders continue to assist with the O’Brien Creek Fire.

Today’s Activities:

Crews continue to patrol and provide visual assessments for changes in fire behavior. On the southwest end of the fire’s perimeter, heavy equipment operators are strengthening contingency lines. Hand crews are tying line between dozer lines in the Pistol River and Meadow Creek drainages break between roads 1503, 050, and 365. In the Indigo Creek drainage at the north end of the fire, heavy equipment continues to improve indirect fire lines, chipping, and brushing along roads 76 and 150. Crews and aircraft continually monitor the fire area daily for early identification of fire growth or change in behavior. Air resources are available and supporting the Flat Fire, local initial attack, and scouting for heat within the perimeter.

Weather: A Red Flag Warning is in effect for Monday afternoon and evening. Weather conditions over the fire area are trending hotter and drier. An Excessive Heat Warning is in effect through Thursday for portions of the fire area. Similar conditions have been forecast with potentially unstable atmospheric conditions and locally breezy winds at times. There is a high probability of isolated showers and thunderstorms tonight through Tuesday.

Smoke:  Drift smoke from the Bedrock Fire in the Willamette Valley and other fires continues to impact most of southwest Oregon as fire behavior escalates. Smoke on the Flat Fire may increase if fire behavior becomes more active and may be visible from the surrounding areas. The Smoke Outlook is available at:  Current Smoke Outlook for SW Oregon (airfire.org)

Closures:  Closure orders for the fire area can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/rogue-siskiyou/alerts-notices

Evacuations:  Level 1 “Get Ready” evacuation status in place for areas in the vicinity of the Flat Fire. Link to more information:  https://tinyurl.com/currycountyem

Restrictions: Fire danger is currently extreme; the RRSNF is implementing Level 2 Public Use Restrictions. More information here: https://tinyurl.com/ueuznr6e

Please follow all fire restrictions to prevent wildfires. Know before you go. Check on whether there are any campfire restrictions at your recreation destination.

Fire Information:(541)216-4579      

Media inquiries: (541)237-6369

Email: 2023.flat.or@firenet.gov

Facebook: facebook.com/flatfireoregon2023

Twitter: twitter.com/FlatFireOR2023        

Inciweb: bit.ly/FlatFireOR