Single Publication

July 31, 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: 1,850

Resources: 52 engines l 46 crews l 7 bulldozers l 35 water tenders l 8 masticators l 9 helicopters

Current Situation: Crews have made great progress securing the southwestern primary containment line in the last several days which is a critical element in limiting growth of the Flat Fire. Firefighters are using helicopters and Unstaffed Aerial Systems to add firing depth to this important containment feature. A burn-out operation along the dozer line heading east from Game Lake is nearing completion. Structure protection resources have been collecting data to aid firefighters in protecting structures if there is a future need. The alternate control line on Forest Service Road (FSR) 3313, 1503, and 3680 is almost done with completion planned on Tuesday. The containment line on the eastern flank using Burnt Ridge Road has been finished.

Today’s activities: Firefighters will use aerial resources to add fireline depth between the western and eastern portions of FSR 3680. The northern containment line, from Wildhorse Lookout east to FSR 3577, is being actively mopped up and patrolled. The northeastern corner of the fire, using FSR 2308 and 150, has been prepared for firing operations if the need arises due to changes in weather conditions and/or fire activity. To achieve the most effective burnout, conditions require alignment of fuels, fuel moisture, temperature, and relative humidity. There are 9 helicopters and 3 Unstaffed Aerial Systems are available to help firefighters.

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 tonight on July 31st, at 6:00 p.m. at the Brookings-Harbor High School in the cafeteria. The address for the school is: 625 Pioneer Road, 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 and the remainder of the areas around the fire are Level 1. 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 slightly warmer temperatures Tuesday into Wednesday. Tuesday has the potential to be the warmest day on the Flat Fire so far.

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

Local fuel conditions are variable with fuels dry in some areas but still green vegetation in others. Warming and drying weather conditions continue resulting in higher fire danger.

Please follow all fire restrictions and only 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