Single Publication

July 31, 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: 1,547

Resources: 44 engines l 35 crews l 2 bulldozers l 32 water tenders l 4 masticators l

9 helicopters
 

Today’s Progress:  The southeast perimeter of the fire is still showing very little heat, and any hot spots along the fire‘s edge have been targeted with helicopter bucket drops.  Work continued to increase fireline depth using aerial ignitions from helicopters and Unstaffed Aerial Systems, futher securing the fireline ahead of anticipated seasonal vegetation drying, lower relative humidities and increased wind.  Crews completed burn-out operations east of Game Lake along the control line.  Northern containment line continues to be patrolled and secured. Good progress was made toward completing the alternate control line along Forest Service Roads 3313, 1503, and 3680.

With fire traffic on Bear Camp Road, all motorists on Bear Camp Road are asked to slow down, use headlights and proceed with caution.

Evacuations:  As of this afternoon, all remaining evacuation levels have been reduced to Level 1 “Get Ready” evacuation status for all areas in the vicinity of the Flat Fire.

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 slightly warmer temperatures and lower relative humidities Tuesday into Wednesday.  Tuesday has the potential to be the warmest day on the Flat Fire so far.

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

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.  The Chetco River Road (FSR 1376) and Chetco/Pistol River Road (FSR 1407) are now closed.  The updated closure 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

Local fuel conditions are variable with fuels dry in some areas but still green vegetation in others. Warming and drying weather conditions continue resulting in higher fire danger.

Please follow all fire restrictions. Stay on roadways and do not drive, idle or park on dry grass. A hot vehicle undercarriage could easily start a wildfire.