Single Publication

July 24, 2023

Flat Fire Morning Update

Size: 22,066                                           

Start Date: July 15, 2023

Point of origin: 2 miles southeast of Agness, OR

Containment: 3%

Cause: Human caused, under investigation

Total personnel: 1,497

Resources: 40 engines l 36 crews l 8 bulldozers l 26 water tenders l 8 masticators l 8 helicopters
 

Current Situation: Moderate fire behavior is expected today due to cool weather and slightly higher humidities. The fire continues to be most active in the southwest where it’s burning in the Biscuit Fire scar through thick vegetation and snags and is more moderate in the southeast where the fire is burning within the previous Klondike Fire scar.

Today’s activities: Firefighters are using heavy machinery within an old mining road near Forest Service Trail #1174 in an effort to create a control line to the south of the fire. This was also utilized as a suppression line during the Klondike Fire. The control line starts at Game Lake and heads east, traversing the Kalmiopsis Wilderness at its northern boundary.

Crews have successfully implemented strategic firing operations (burnout) and established control lines along the northern perimeter. Firefighters will continue to assess opportunities and mobilize resources for additional contingency control lines in a proactive manner ahead of dry and windy conditions in the coming weeks. In the northeast, crews plan to continue firing operations followed by mop up and patrol. Resources are being moved around the fire’s edge as work is completed to support firing operations and establish control lines as directly as possible along the fire perimeter. Firefighters plan to use Unstaffed Aerial Systems (UAS) for firing operations in areas that are unsafe to access and will also add depth to control lines.

Evacuations: Curry County is sending evacuation notices utilizing Everbridge. Sign up below https://www.co.curry.or.us/departments/emergency_management/index.php A Level 2 “Get Set” evacuation notice remains in effect from Agness to Quosatana Creek, Oak Flat, Old House Creek Road, and Spud Road.

Weather: Cool temperatures and higher humidities are expected today.

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. 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