Single Publication

July 24, 2023

Flat Fire Evening Update

Start Date:  July 15, 2023

Size: 22,130                                             

Point of origin: 2 miles southeast of Agness, OR

Cause: Human caused, Under Investigation

Total personnel: 1,528

Resources: 46 engines l 36 crews l 9 bulldozers l 24 water tenders l 8 masticators l 8 helicopters
 

Current Situation: Cooler temperatures and higher humidity levels aided in suppression efforts today. Firefighters continued tactical firing operations along the western and southwestern flanks to strengthen control lines. The narrow fire growth towards the southwest that’s recently become visible on the map is due to successful ignitions that have occurred over the past few days. Unstaffed Aerial Systems (UAS) were deployed this afternoon to ignite vegetation in areas further interior to establish more depth along control lines. Crews also continued to patrol recently burned areas and extinguish sources of heat along the fire’s edge. A special medical team has arrived today that will be on site at fire camp, who will be able to provide rapid care to firefighters experiencing symptoms of poison oak.

Tonight’s activities: Firing operations may continue this evening along the southwestern flank of the fire if conditions remain favorable. Night shift crews will patrol all previously burned areas and continue to mop up lingering heat sources.

Evacuations: A Level 2 “Get Set” evacuation notice remains in effect from Agness to Quosatana Creek and for the areas of Oak Flat, Old House Creek Road and Spud Road. Curry County is using Everbridge to send evacuation notices. You can sign up for notifications here: https://www.co.curry.or.us/departments/emergency_management/index.php.

Weather: A slight warming and drying weather pattern will begin over the fire area tomorrow.

Smoke: The Smoke Outlooks are available at oregonsmoke.org and airnow.gov.

Closures: The Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest has issued a closure order for the fire area including trails, roads and a portion of the Illinois River. Oak Flat Campground, Game Lake Campground, Wild Horse Campground and Snow Camp Lookout Recreation Rentals are all closed as part of the area closure. More information can be found here: bit.ly/RRSNFClosures.

Restrictions: Fire Restrictions are in place, to learn more visit: fs.usda.gov/rogue-siskiyou.

Please slow down and be careful when driving near the fire area and incident camps due to increased fire traffic. The public is asked to be especially cautious when driving on Bear Camp Road (Forest Service Road 23). There has been heavy public and fire-related traffic on this road.