Single Publication

July 27, 2023

Flat Fire Morning Update 

Start Date:  July 15, 2023

Size: 23,678                                            

Point of origin: 2 miles southeast of Agness, OR

Containment: 4%

Cause: Human caused, Under Investigation

Total personnel: 1,644

Resources: 50 engines l 38 crews l 8 bulldozers l 34 water tenders l 8 masticators l 11 helicopters
 

Current Situation:  Fire resources continue to make progress on the Flat Fire.  Crews have been firing out the southwestern flank of the fire, to prevent fire growth to the south.  In some areas crews paused burning operations due to ensure advantageous wind direction.  Control lines on the northern side of the fire continue to be mopped up and work on alternate lines is ongoing.  Alternate lines on the west and northeast are being worked on.  Structure protection groups have been assessing structures along the Illinois and Rogue Rivers, as well as along Cougar lane.

Today’s activities:  Activities for today will build off successes from yesterday.  Firing operations are planned on the southwestern side of the fire, working south off Forest Road (FR) 3318 and west from Game Lake.  Helicopters and Unstaffed Aerial Systems (UAS) will be used to add depth to the firing operations.  Firing depth gives a buffer between control lines and the main fire.  Firefighters on the northeastern section of the fire are preparing firelines for firing operations, potentially on Friday.  Northern control lines are being mopped up and patrolled.  Work on alternate lines in the west and northeast will continue. Significant air resources are available to assist firefighters.

Evacuations:  The Level 2 “Get Set” evacuation notice for areas along the Rogue River Corridor from Quosatana Creek Campground to the Agness area was reduced to Level 1 “Get Ready” on July 26, 2023. This includes the areas of Spud Road, Old House Creek Road and Oak Flat. The areas on the north side of the Rogue River in Old Agness up to Illahe Lodge will also all be at a Level 1. 

The area immediately east of Angess remains in a level 2, primarily due to future firing operations.  Some areas outside the burn area to the southwest will remain in Level 2 while fire crews continue to further secure control lines. 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: Temperatures in Agness are expected to be in the high 80s.  On mountains and ridgetops temperatures are forecasted to be in the mid-70s.  Relative humidities are predicted to be in the 30-45% range at lower elevations and 40-55% at higher elevations.  Winds are anticipated to be out of the northeast in the a.m. and shift to the northwest in the p.m. 8-13 mph with gusts to 19.

Smoke: The Smoke Outlooks are 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. More information can be found here: bit.ly/RRSNFClosures.

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

Campfires are only permitted in designated campgrounds that have metal fire rings. Ensure your campfire is thoroughly extinguished before leaving.