Single Publication

Anvil Fire

Size: 22,170 acres       Start Date:  August 25, 2023 Location:  8 miles east of Port Orford, OR
Containment:  80%   Total personnel: 283 Resources: 9 crews, 1 helicopter, 2 engines

Heavy rainfall and high winds hampered operations yesterday. Conditions improved slightly in the afternoon allowing heavy equipment to accomplish suppression repair work on the west and north sides of the fire. Excavators also worked to pull back dozer line berms and chipping continued along Forest Service Road 5503. Several roads were too hazardous to travel especially in the China Mountain area as well as the Elk River Road where a rockslide occurred. Heavy equipment that was staged nearby was able to quickly clear the debris from the roadway. Today, an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) will be utilizing infrared technology to check for any lingering heat near the perimeter of the fire. Consistent rain in the extended forecast will aid in extinguishing any remaining smoldering but will continue to impact public and firefighter safety with potential for mudslides, debris flows, and road washout. Fire managers will be assessing roads to evaluate any hazards that pose a threat to the safety of personnel prior to conducting operations. 

Evacuations: Level I evacuation zones around the Anvil Fire were removed on October 16 at 3:00 PM. There are currently no evacuation statuses for either fire.

Flat Fire

Size: 34,242 acres   Start Date:  July 15, 2023     Location:  2 miles southeast of Agness, OR   

Containment:  93%       Total personnel:  56    Resources: 1 crew, 4 engines

Yesterday, despite close to two inches of rain across both fires slowing the progress of work, heavy equipment was successful in completing additional fire suppression repair. Crews also worked to spread straw along the Pine Grove bicycle trail to prevent damage from soil erosion. 

Emergency Fire Area and Road Closures Still in Effect: Forest closures remain in place in both fire areas. There is an update to the Emergency Area and Road Closure for the Flat Fire, reducing the closure area and reopening roads adjacent to the fire area. The new order is effective October 3, 2023 through December 31, 2023 unless rescinded sooner. For current closure information and maps, please visit: https://bit.ly/RRSNFAlerts or https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-closures/orrsf-anvil-fire.

Restrictions: The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest lifted all Public Use Restrictions on Forest Service

Lands. The Fire Danger Rating and Industrial Fire Precaution Levels were removed from all five Ranger Districts on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, signaling the end of fire season, effective midnight, October 17. Emergency road and area closures are still in effect in fire areas (see above).

Weather: Temperatures will begin to warm up reaching the low 70s by Wednesday. Conditions will dry out through Friday until another system bringing precipitation moves into the area by Sunday. The extended forecast shows multiple systems stacking up to bring several days of consistent rainfall. 

Smoke: Due to rain and lack of smoke, a daily smoke outlook no longer will be provided. Air quality information is available at www.OregonSmoke.org.

Contact Fire Information: (541) 216-4579                                                                            

Email: 2023.anvil@firenet.gov

Facebook: facebook.com/flatfireoregon2023                                                                   

X/Twitter:twitter.com/RRSNF

Inciweb Anvil Fire: bit.ly/AnvilFireOR                                                                                               

Inciweb Flat Fire: bit.ly/FlatFireOR