Single Publication

August 8, 2023

Flat Fire Morning Update

Size: 33,291 acres                                          Start Date:  July 15, 2023

Point of origin: 2 miles southeast of Agness, OR

Containment: 39%

Total personnel: 792

Resources: 20 engines l 21 crews l 3 bulldozers l 27 water tenders l 4 masticators l 7 helicopters

Highlights: Helicopters conducted water and retardant drops yesterday to cool a small hotspot 400 feet inside the line and to limit the potential for fire growth in the Indigo Creek area of the fire.  Smaller fuels are burning, but bigger fuels are still slow to ignite, which limits the ability of the fire to spread.  Today will be a little warmer before temperatures drop a few degrees and slightly higher humidity will move in, further hindering the the ability of the fire to spread.  Firefighters remain ready for any potential changes in fire activity. 

Today’s Activities:  Water and retardant drops may be utilized again today, dependent on fire behavior, in the Indigo Creek and Game Lake areas.  Resource specialists are consulting with fire personnel to ensure retardant is used in ridgetop locations that will not impact rivers and the salmon in them.  Stabilization crews and equipment have arrived to begin work in areas impacted by the fire and suppression efforts.  These crews will begin installations of waterbars and other water mitigation activities to prepare the impacted areas for future rain events while maintaining the integrity of the existing lines.  Fire crews continue to secure and improve existing and alternate containment lines. Structural protection and night-shift resources remain in place around Agness.  Firefighters remain ready to respond to any changes in fire behavior.

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

Weather: Temperatures will be warmer by 2 to 5 degrees and humidity will drop by 3% to 5%.  Winds will continue to be terrain driven with northeast winds in the morning and northwest winds in the afternoon.  Peak wind gusts are expected in the morning hours on the ridges and in the valleys in the afternoon.

Smoke:  Smoke may be visible from the surrounding areas. The Smoke Outlook is available at: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/b74901f7?

Closures:  The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest (RRSNF) has issued a closure order for the fire area including trails, roads and a portion of the Illinois River. Oak Flat Campground, Game Lake and Wild Horse Campgrounds and Snow Camp Lookout Recreation Rentals are all closed.  The Chetco River Road (FSR 1376) and Chetco/Pistol River Road (FSR 1407) are closed.  The closure allows for public access to the Big Rock swimming hole on the Illinois River.

Evacuations:  Level 1 “Get Ready” evacuation status in place for areas in the vicinity of the Flat Fire. Link to more information:  https://tinyurl.com/currycountyem

Restrictions: Fire danger is currently extreme; the RRSNF is implementing Level 2 Public Use Restrictions. More information here: https://tinyurl.com/ueuznr6e

Please follow all fire restrictions to prevent wildfires. Know before you go. Check on whether there are any campfire restrictions at your recreation destination.

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