Single Publication

Anvil Fire

Size: 16,664 acres | Start Date:  August 25, 2023 | Location:  8 miles east of Port Orford, OR | Containment:  0% | Total personnel: 1,090 | Resources: 29 crews, 8 helicopters, 39 engines

Fire activity increased yesterday as strong winds from the north/northeast reached gusts of 35 mph.  Relative humidity around 40% was recorded in the fire area, higher than the past few days have seen.  Heavy smoke drifted south/southwest, reaching to central California and causing depreciating air quality in several communities.  Protection of communities, cultural and natural resources, timber, watersheds, wildlife habitat, and local businesses remain of high priority to fire managers and the local agencies and cooperators who continue to work together closely to suppress the Anvil Fire.  There have been no reports of damage to area residences, campgrounds, or other structures. 

Despite the challenging weather conditions, firefighters were able to limit fire spread to the south thanks to successful preparations along the Elk River Road. Embers ignited a small fire on the slope across the Elk River which firefighters have been able to limit to an estimated 10 acres in size.  The fire has continued to grow to the east through the Grassy Knob Wilderness and has crossed Butler Creek into the Copper Salmon Wilderness

Steep terrain and dense vegetation limit options for firefighters to work safely along the fire perimeter.  Instead, crews are reducing vegetation and constructing handlines along ridges, creeks, and other natural features further away from the fire which will serve as safer and more effective containment lines.

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

Area and Road Closures:  For the safety of firefighters and the public, the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and Coos Bay District Bureau of Land Management have issued closure orders for the Anvil Fire area.  Find maps and closure information at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-closures/orrsf-anvil-fire.

Flat Fire

Size: 34,242 acres | Start Date: July 15, 2023 | Location: 2 miles southeast of Agness, OR | Containment: 75%  | Total personnel: 13 | Resources: 3 engines 

With repair work complete on the Flat Fire, minimal fire resources remain on the fire.  Engines will continue to patrol the area and monitor for any fire activity.  This will be the last narrative report on the Flat Fire unless notable activity occurs. The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest closure does remain in effect, https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-closures/xx1002-flat-fire.

General Information

Weather:  As the weekend approaches, a cooler trend is expected and there is an increasing chance of rain.  While it will take significant rain or snow to fully contain both fires, the rain would be a welcome relief and assist firefighters in their efforts.  A meteorologist is working closely with fire managers to monitor the weather and share information to support planning and adjustment of plans as necessary to ensure the safety of firefighters in all weather conditions, both those that cause increases in fire activity and those that may trigger runoff or flooding.

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