Single Publication

Anvil Fire

Size: 14,569 acres | Start Date: August 25, 2023 | Location: 8 miles east of Port Orford, OR | Containment: 0%  | Total personnel: 847 | Resources: 21 crews, 4 helicopters, 34 engines

Fire crews are maintaining a robust presence including 24-hour coverage in significant areas throughout the Anvil Fire area.  Resources dedicated to working around the homes have proactively set up hoses, pumps, and sprinklers further west along Elk River Road and Sixes River Road that would be utilized to protect residences should the fire grow closer to them.  Mechanized equipment continues to expand contingency fire lines in strategic locations on the north, west, and south flanks of the fire.

Aviation resources had a challenging day with high winds limiting helicopter flights for a short period of time.  However, five helicopters were able to support ground crews, delivering over 70,000 gallons of water near the Hatchery and Elk River Road corridor, and between China Peak and Moon Mountain.  Additional unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) will be assigned to fire tomorrow to provide increased infrared (IR) capabilities including identifying any small fires outside of the fire’s main perimeter in smoky conditions and real-time perimeter mapping data.  This tool aids ground crews by limiting their exposure in areas that aren’t safe and improves the information available for fire managers and the public.   

Evacuations:  Curry County Sheriff’s Office has identified four evacuation zones around the Anvil Fire.  An interactive evacuation map is available at https://bit.ly/45UIh2E. Zones 1 and 4 are in Level 3 “Go“ evacuation status.  Zones 2 and 3 are in Level 2 “Get Set“ status.  Sign up for Curry Co. emergency alerts at https://bit.ly/CurryCoEM. 

Flat Fire

Size: 34,242 acres | Start Date: July 15, 2023 | Location: 2 miles southeast of Agness, OR | Containment: 75% | Total personnel: 69  | Resources:  1 crew, 3 helicopters, 1 engine 

Repair work was completed today on the Flat Fire.  A complement of engines and fire overhead will remain vigilant in actively patrolling the fire area and responding as needed to any areas that have smoke or flame to ensure the fire does not spread. The Flat Fire’s size has remained unchanged since August 19.

General Information

Weather:  A weather event coming from the Gulf of Alaska tonight through tomorrow morning will bring 20 to 25 mile per hour winds from the northeast.  This event will bring higher humidity levels in excess of 40%.  Looking to the extended forecast, a pacific trough will likely bring precipitation and a favorable wind pattern from the west.

Smoke:  Visit https://bit.ly/SWORsmoke for current smoke and air quality updates. 

Area and Road Closures:  For the safety of firefighters and the public, the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest has issued closure orders for the Anvil and Flat Fire areas. The Bureau of Land Management Coos Bay District has also issued an area closure which includes Edson and Sixes Campgrounds. Visit https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-closures/orrsf-anvil-fire and https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-closures/xx1002-flat-fire for closure maps and information.

Smoke and the marine cloud layer are mingling and settling in the lower elevations overnight causing limited visibility along highways.  Please drive slowly and with headlights on through any fire area. Heavy equipment and firefighter transportation vehicles are also using the area highways and roads. Caltrans issued a schedule of road closures and lane restrictions on US-199 northeast from Crescent City. Local law enforcement cautions against any non-essential traffic along this route. For specific information on road access, please see the Caltrans QuickMap site at: https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ and Oregon Department of Transportation site at: https://www.tripcheck.com/.  Do not use forest roads for alternate routes.