Single Publication

August 11,2023

Flat Fire Update 

Size: 33,817 acres                             

Start Date:  July 15, 2023 

Point of origin: 2 miles southeast of Agness, OR 

Containment: 47% 

Total personnel: 781 

Resources: 15 engines l 15 crews l 4 bulldozers l 25 water tenders l 9 masticators l 6 helicopters  

Highlights:  Crews remain proactive, alert, and ready to take action in any areas of concern. Air resources were utilized for support and to perform above-ground observations to identify any increases in fire behavior. The fire is currently burning at low intensity, creeping and smoldering in drainages and on interior slopes. Some smoke may be visible as unburned pockets and heavy fuel continue to consume and burn within the interior. A predicted warming weather trend may increase smoke visibility. Soil and resource stabilization efforts progress on and along control lines. Additional contingency lines will be identified and constructed if necessary.  

Today’s Activities: Ground and aviation resources will monitor the fire perimeter, scanning the fire’s open edge for changes in fire behavior or potential flare-ups. An Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) will be used again today to detect heat, and resources are strategically placed to extinguish hot spots where feasible. Firefighting crews continue to have a presence in the Agness area, watching for any increase in fire behavior. Crews will continue secure containment lines and complete mop-up, extinguishing areas of heat within the interior of the fire perimeter. Heavy equipment is being used to construct alternate defensible fuel breaks.  

Weather:  Warmer and dryer conditions are forecasted for this weekend. With peak season approaching, dry weather in the 7-day outlook, and a persistent dry weather forecast. Winds continue to be mainly terrain-driven at the lower elevations, with ridgetop winds out of the northeast in the overnight hours into the early morning, shifting to the west-northwest with a sea breeze in the afternoon. A warming and drying trend is expected to follow over the weekend.  

Smoke:  Smoke may be visible from the surrounding areas. The Smoke Outlook is available at:  Current Smoke Outlook for SW Oregon (airfire.org) https://outlooks.airfire.org/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 remain 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 has implemented 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.