Single Publication

August 10, 2023

Flat Fire Morning Update

Size: 33,817 acres

Start Date: July 15, 2023

Point of origin: 2 miles southeast of Agness, OR

Containment: 44%

Total personnel: 718

Resources: 16 engines l 13 crews l 4 bulldozers l 24 water tenders l 8 masticators l 7 helicopters

Highlights: Fixed-wing aircrafts with infrared detection monitor in and around the fire at night as weather allows.  Data collected from these scouting assessments are used as necessary to deploy Uncrewed Aerial Systems (drones) to further detect any potential heat signatures.  Scattered heat still remains within the fire perimeter, however fire behavior has been low intensity with some creeping and smoldering.  Crews are ready to take targeted action as needed if areas of heat are detected. Crews are working deeper into the fire footprint; scouting, controlling, and completing mop up.  Alternate containment lines using existing road systems are being prepped around the west and southwest border of the fire.  Firefighters maintain a presence in the community of Agness and continue to perform visual assessments. 

Today’s Activities: Mop up, secure, and patrol existing lines, utilizing direct suppression tactics when appropriate and ensuring resources are remaining vigilant in all areas at all times. Firefighters continue to use mechanical equipment to create defensible fuel breaks along roads.  Stabilization of alternate and contingency suppression features on the landscape is ongoing.  Fire managers continuously assess fire behavior, taking deliberate and targeted actions with the right resources, as needed.  

Weather: A weather pattern developing over the region has shifted the weak high pressure from Tuesday eastward.  As a result, the fire area is observing cooler temperatures and increased onshore flow.  Areas of fog and low clouds were observed earlier this morning but have since lifted.  Earlier this morning, relative humidity recoveries observed on the ridgetops slightly increased from yesterday.  Winds in the morning were out of the northeast and shifted over to the west-northwest in the afternoon.  

Smoke: Smoke may be visible from the surrounding areas. The Smoke Outlook is available at: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/b74901f7?

Closures: The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest (RRSNF) has issued a closure order for the fire area including trails, roads and a portion of the Illinois River. Oak Flat Campground, Game Lake and Wild Horse Campgrounds and Snow Camp Lookout Recreation Rentals are all closed.  The Chetco River Road (FSR 1376) and Chetco/Pistol River Road (FSR 1407) are closed.  The closure allows for public access to the Big Rock swimming hole on the Illinois River. 

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