Single Publication

July 30, 2023

Flat Fire Morning 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: 1,941

Resources: 53 engines l 50 crews l 8 bulldozers l 35 water tenders l 8 masticators l12 helicopters
 

Current Situation:  Firefighting efforts on the Flat Fire are focused on firefighter and public safety and keeping the fire as small as possible.  Firing operations are a piece of the overall strategy and are dependent on weather, vegetation, and topography.  Firing operations south of Game Lake on Forest Road (FR) 3680 have been completed along the edge of the road.  A high resolution infrared aerial assessment of the northeast flank of the fire revealed very little heat; as a result, firing operations have paused.  Structure assessment has finished up in the Lobster Creek area.  On the west side, FR 3313, 1503, and 3680 are being prepared for use as alternate lines.  Work on Burnt Ridge as an alternate containment line is ongoing.

Today’s activities:  Burnout operations on the southwestern side of the fire, along the edge of FR 3680, were completed late last night and today’s efforts will be focused on adding depth to that area to strengthen the line.  The northern containment line is being actively patrolled and mopped up.  Aerial resources will be used to locate and suppress any heat on the northeast, east, and south flanks of the fire.  Structure protection efforts have been successful so far, and today resources will be working north of Agness.  Westside alternate line preparation will continue, using FR 3313, 3680, and 1503.  East alternate line preparation, using Burnt Ridge, will also continue.

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

Community Meeting:  A community meeting will take place on Monday, July 31st, at 6:00 p.m. at the Brookings-Harbor High School in the cafeteria.  The address for the school is: 625 Pioneer Rd, Brookings, OR 97415.

Evacuations:  A Level 1 “Get Ready” evacuation notice is in effect for areas on the north side of the Rogue River in Agness up to Illahe Lodge and along the Rogue River Corridor from Quosatana Creek Campground to the Agness area.  This includes the areas of Spud Road, Old House Creek Road and Oak Flat. The area immediately east of Agness remains in a level 2, out of an abundance of caution.  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: The forecast calls for continued warm and dry weather conditions into Sunday, with an increase in temperatures and winds Monday.

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

Closures:  The Rogue-River Siskiyou National Forest has issued an updated 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 (FR 1376) and Chetco/Pistol River Road (FR 1407) are now closed.  The updated closure also 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

Abnormally dry conditions and hot temperatures are forecast to persist across Oregon and Washington with vegetation already much drier than normal.  Please follow all fire restrictions, especially as we are seeing a significant increase in human-caused fire starts across the region. Use properly functioning spark arresters and stay on designated trails and roads. Do not park, idle or drive on dry, flammable vegetation. Your vehicle could start a wildfire.

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