Single Publication

July 21, 2023

Flat Fire Morning Update

Size: 15,217                                             

Start Date:  July 15, 2023

Point of origin: 2 miles southeast of Agness, OR

Cause: Under Investigation

Total personnel: 936

Resources: 11 engines l 32 crews l 4 bulldozers l 4 water tenders l 8 masticators l 8 helicopters
 

Community Meeting: Tomorrow, Saturday July 22nd at 3pm:Gold Beach High School Cafeteria, 29516 Ellensburg Ave Gold Beach, OR 97444 , and live on Flat Fire Facebook Page.

Current Situation: Last night, no infrared flight was flown due to visibility issues. Until a new flight can be flown, acreage for the Flat Fire remains the same. The fire continues to be most active toward Lawson Creek along Wildhorse Ridge. The rest of the fire is still active with moderate behavior, and minimal spread to the north and southeast. Fire spread is being driven by large timber and dead ground vegetation.

Today’s activities: Firefighters are close to accomplishing their preparation work with South Coast Lumber on Forest Road 3318 (Wild Horse Road). Crews will continue small burnout operations, slowing fire spread, ensuring the fire stays away from Gold Beach and Agness. Structure groups remain in place ensuring protection of nearby structures.

Evacuations: The Curry County Sheriff’s Office issued a Level 2 evacuation notice yesterday from Agness to Quosatana Creek. A Level 3 evacuation remains in place (initiated on July 15) on Old House Creek Road (at the end of Oak Flat Road and on Spud Road.) Curry County is sending evacuation notices utilizing Everbridge, which provides notices via phone. If you have not done so, please sign up by going to the Curry County website and click on the Everbridge notification link. https://www.co.curry.or.us/departments/emergency_management/index.php

Weather: A strong onshore wind flow will remain over the next couple days bringing higher humidities and reducing unstable fire conditions.

Smoke: The Smoke Forecast Outlooks are available at oregonsmoke.org

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. Find the closure order at bit.ly/RRSNFClosures

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

Fire Information:(541)216-4579       Media inquiries: (541)237-6369      Email: 2023.flat.or@firenet.gov

Facebook: facebook.com/flatfireoregon2023         Twitter: twitter.com/FlatFireOR2023         Inciweb: bit.ly/FlatFireOR