Single Publication

July 30, 2023

Flat Fire Evening Update

Size: 25,572                                        

Start Date:  July 15, 2023

Point of origin: 2 miles southeast of Agness, OR

Containment: 14%

Cause: Human caused, Under Investigation

Total personnel: 1,941

Resources: 53 engines l 50 crews l 8 bulldozers l 35 water tenders l 8 masticators l 12 helicopters

Today’s Progress:  In the southwest corner of the fire area, firefighters used aerial ignitions to burn vegetation interior of the fire line. Operations included using Unstaffed Aerial Systems (UAS) and ground-based tools to burn vegetation just interior of the fire line along Forest Service Road (FSR) 3680 south of Game Lake. Helicopters used Plastic Spherical Dispenser (PSD) for aerial firing operations further interior bringing the main fire area southwest towards the fire line. This strategy moves the main fire to the prepared fire line under more favorable and controlled conditions. Firing operations continued along the fire line near Game Lake reducing vegetation along the line closing the remaining gap of open fire line in that area. The northern line of the fire continues to be patrolled for any hot spots. Crews are working on improving the alternate containment lines west of the fire on FSR 3313, 1503, and 3680.

Community Meeting:  A community meeting will take place on Monday, July 31st, at 6:00 p.m. at the Brookings-Harbor High School in the cafeteria.  The address for the school is: 625 Pioneer Rd, Brookings, OR 97415. The meeting will also be livestreamed on the Flat Fire Facebook page: facebook.com/flatfireoregon2023  

Evacuations:  A Level 1 “Get Ready” evacuation notice is in effect for areas on the north side of the Rogue River in Agness up to Illahe Lodge and along the Rogue River Corridor from Quosatana Creek Campground to the Agness area.  This includes the areas of Spud Road, Old House Creek Road and Oak Flat.

The area immediately east of Agness remains in a level 2 and the remainder of the areas around the fire are Level 2.  The Curry County Sheriff’s Office will continue to coordinate with the Fire Incident Management Team and will notify all residents affected by the fire of any reasons to change evacuation levels.

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: The forecast calls for a small increase in temperatures and winds Monday.

Smoke:  The Smoke Outlook is available at: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/en/b74901f7

Closures:  The Rogue-River Siskiyou National Forest issued an updated closure order on July 29th 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.  The Chetco River Road (FR 1376) and Chetco/Pistol River Road (FR 1407) are now closed.  The updated closure also allows for public access to the Big Rock swimming hole on the Illinois River.  More information can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/bdzbae69

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

Abnormally dry conditions and hot temperatures are forecast to persist across Oregon and Washington with vegetation already much drier than normal.  Please follow all fire restrictions, especially as we are seeing a significant increase in human-caused fire starts across the region.

Use properly functioning spark arresters and stay on designated trails and roads. Do not park, idle or drive on dry, flammable vegetation. Your vehicle could start a wildfire.