Single Publication

Flat Fire

Size: 34,242 acres

Start Date: July 15, 2023

Point of origin: 2 miles southeast of Agness, OR

Containment: 58%

Total personnel: 330

Resources: 5 crews l 3 helicopters l 8 engines l 3 bulldozers l 9 water tenders l 4 masticators

The Northern Rockies Incident Management Team - Team 3 will assume command of the Flat and Anvil Fires as of 7:00 am, Friday September 1, 2023, from the Southwest Area Incident Management Team 3 (SWAIMT-T3). The SWAIMT-T3 provided command for the resources assigned for 14 days while coordinating with county, city and various other agencies including the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.

Fire Activity: Crews and aircraft continue to patrol and monitor the fire’s edge, complete trail repair work and work with private landowners on any repairs needed due to suppression activities. Chipping of fuels continues along Forest Road 109 and will be completed over the weekend. The fire has not grown, but smoke will be visible as interiors fuels consume. Initial Attack resources are staged and ready to assist the forest if needed.

Anvil Fire Morning Update

Size: 51 acres

Start Date: August 25, 2023

Point of origin: 8 miles east of Port Orford, OR

Containment: 0%

Total personnel: 92

Resources: 3 crews l 6 helicopters l 12 rappelers l 3 engine l 1 bulldozer

Fire Activity: The Anvil Fire was active yesterday with growth to the west as the fire moved up into drainages on Anvil Mountain. Aircraft used water and retardant along ridges to slow its progression and assist firefighters on the ground. Smoke was very visible yesterday and will continue today, however weather conditions will be changing and higher humidity, lower temperatures and the possibility of moisture will slow the fires progression. The fire is burning in the Grassy Knob Wilderness on steep slopes and difficult terrain with limited access. Aircraft will continue to support fire suppression work and monitor activity.

Weather: Below normal temperatures and higher humidity is expected on Thursday along with increased chances of rain. Showers will linger in the area Friday and Saturday, although rain chances over the Anvil will be more limited. Humidity will remain elevated through the weekend.

Smoke: Smoke lingering within the area is moving north from the Smith River Complex and settling within some nearby communities, like Brookings. The smoke outlook for the Smith River Complex is available at: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/en/a20da242

Closures: U.S. Highway 199 has been closed north of Gasquet due to fires on the Six River National Forest, please use U.S. Route 101 to SR 42 for all travel to and from the Rogue Valley. Forest Service and BLM roads should not be used as alternate routes due to emerging fire activity. 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. Visit Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest - Alerts & Notices (usda.gov) for more information.

Evacuations: As a reminder, be aware of danger in the area. Stay informed: Sign up for emergency alerts with your county. Check the county emergency management website and follow local emergency services on social media for updates (county, sheriff’s office, fire agencies). Level 1 “Get Ready” evacuation status in place for areas in the vicinity of the Flat Fire. Link to more information: https://www.co.curry.or.us/government/county_sheriff/index.php

Restrictions: Fire danger is currently extreme; the RRSNF is implementing Level 3 Public Use Restrictions (PUR). Level 3 PURs on the Wild Section of the Rogue River have been implemented by the RRSF, Medford BLM and ODF. More information: Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest - News & Events (usda.gov)