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: 366

11 crews l 3 helicopters l 17 engines l 3 bulldozers l 16 water tenders l 4 masticators 

Today’s Activities: Crews continue to work closely with local forest Resource Advisors (READs) to provide for strategized suppression repair throughout the fire area. READs provide guidance and tactics to crews as they strive to minimize and restore fire impacts to natural resources and lands after fire suppression efforts. Additionally, resources are monitoring and patrolling the perimeter with focus on the uncontained line on the east flank. Due to the rugged terrain on that side, aircraft is providing aerial reconnaissance along with lookouts prepositioned in calculated positions on the ground. The fire has not moved out of its footprint and only showing some minor heat and interior smokes at times. Initial Attack (IA) resources supporting the Barklow Fire were released back to the Flat Fire incident. On the Cedar Fire, IA resources remain engaged with heavy mop up in dense fuel within steep terrain. IA resources are committed to supporting the forest with additional starts in the area.

Anvil Fire 

Size: 45 acres
Start Date:  August 25, 2023
Point of origin: 8 miles east of Port Orford, OR
Containment: 0%
Total personnel: 74

Resources: 2 crews l 2 helicopters l 12 rappelers l 1 engine l 1 bulldozer

Today’s Activities: Warmer afternoon temperatures increased activity and pushed the fire out to the north. However, better visibility allowed aircraft to safely launch and assist with suppression efforts. Fixed wing aircraft along with helicopters supported ground crews by providing retardant and water drops to help slow the fire’s progression. Crews are working toward securing the fire edge. Smoke may be visible from Port Orford and residences along Elk Creek Road. The fire is burning in the Grassy Knob Wilderness within steep slopes and difficult terrain with limited access. In inaccessible areas, aircraft will continue to support as needed to monitor or provide suppression work. 

Weather: Warming and drying is anticipated on Wednesday with afternoon humidity, dropping under 30% in certain areas. Cooler temperatures and increasing rain chances move over the region Thursday and Friday as a mid-level trough moves over the area. 

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:  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)