Single Publication

Anvil Fire

Size: 21,842 acres | Start Date:  August 25, 2023 | Location:  8 miles east of Port Orford, OR | Containment:  17% | Total personnel: 1,308    | Resources: 35 crews, 10 helicopters, 48 engines 

Crews were able to hold the northern fire perimeter even with sustained 20 mph winds and gusts of 45 mph.  The northeast corner of the fire area remained the most active, yet high humidity and wetting rains prevented significant fire growth.  Continued hard work by firefighters and the changing weather accounts for an increase of overall fire containment. 

Fire engines and crews patrolled the Sixes River Road corridor ensuring primary and contingency plans were in place throughout the day’s high winds in the event fire activity increased suddenly.  Additional resources were present on the western fire perimeter near the Hatchery and structures.  Crews actively patrolled the Elk River Road corridor ensuring no burning materials rolled over primary containment lines.  Coos Forest Protective Association (CFPA) heavy equipment and ground crews strengthened containment lines near the Sunshine Bar area to limit any additional fire spread.

Flights by aviation resources were limited by the adverse weather conditions across the fire area. An unmanned aircraft system (UAS) was able to make an early morning flight, providing firefighters with perimeter fire data and showing areas with highest concentrations of heat from the fire.  If conditions permit, the UAS will continue to gather information today, which may include the status of roads. With the advent of heavy wetting rains and potential for runoff and floods in the fire area, crews plan to remain in fire camp longer this morning.  Supervisors will assess the safety of roads and trails this morning prior to beginning work, especially near steep slopes where debris flows are possible.

Evacuations:  Curry County Sheriff’s Office has identified four evacuation zones around the Anvil Fire.  At this time, Zones 1 and 4 remain in Level 3 “Go” evacuation status and Zones 2 and 3 are in Level 2 “Get Set” status.  The Sheriff and fire managers are constantly evaluating the evacuation status and will lift them once there is certainty that they would not need to be reinstated.  View the interactive evacuation map at https://bit.ly/45UIh2E. Sign up for Curry Co. emergency alerts at https://bit.ly/CurryCoEM.  The Red Cross shelter in Port Orford is in standby to support any evacuees.

Area and Road Closures:  For the safety of firefighters and the public, the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest (RRSNF) and 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: 11 | Resources: 3 engines 

The RRSNF closure on the Flat Fire remains in effect, https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-closures/xx1002-flat-fire. 

General Information 

Weather: Showers were observed across the Flat and Anvil Fire perimeters yesterday and overnight. The majority of wetting rain began early this morning, and steady but lighter precipitation is expected to continue until around noon. Projected rain accumulations through Tuesday range from 2 to 4 inches, which could potentially trigger dangerous debris flows in the fire areas. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch effective from 2 AM this morning through 11 PM this evening. 

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. 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, https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ and Oregon Department of Transportation site, https://www.tripcheck.com/.  Do not use forest roads for alternate routes.