Single Publication

Flat Fire Morning Update                                                                        

July 20, 2023

Flat Fire Quick Facts

Size: 15,217                                             

Start Date:  July 15, 2023

Point of origin: 2 miles south east Agness, OR                          

Cause: Under Investigation

Total personnel: 908

 Resources: 10 engines

34 crews

4 bulldozers

2 water tenders

7 masticators

8 helicopters

Current Situation: Overnight, three small, targeted burnout operations were completed in the northwest flank. Masticators are working around the fire to reduce vegetation, assisting firefighter operations, and about 30% of the west flank has been completed. Firefighters are about halfway through securing control lines in the northern section of the fire.

Working on the Flat Fire there are many personnel from different businesses and agencies, including local firefighters who live in surrounding communities like Gold Beach, Brookings, and Agness.

There has been minimal spread to the north with the most active part of the fire being the west flank. Today, the fire will continue to be most active in the west.

Today’s activities: Firefighters and South Coast Lumber will continue working together to improve an existing shaded fuel break utilizing Forest Service Road 3318. If conditions permit firefighters will be conducting small burnout operations on the western flank of the fire to slow fire spread. Structure protection groups will continue working to prepare buildings.

Evacuations: Please monitor the Curry and Josephine County Emergency Management Offices for official evacuation notices.

Weather: Red Flag warning remains in effect for Southwest Oregon due to hot, dry, and windy conditions.

Smoke: Smoke Forecast Outlooks are available at https://www.oregonsmoke.org/?m=1

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. Please be careful when driving in the area due to increased fire traffic.

Restrictions: Fire Restrictions are in place https://www.fs.usda.gov/rogue-siskiyou

Information Line: 541-216-4579 8am-8pm                   Media inquiries: 541-237-6369 8am-8pm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flatfireoregon2023

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlatFireOR2023

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/xx1002-flat-fire 

Email: 2023.flat.or@firenet.gov