Single Publication

Flat Fire Update 08/12/2023

Size: 33,861 acres

Start Date: July 15, 2023

Point of origin: 2 miles southeast of Agness, OR

Containment: 52%

Total personnel: 726

Resources: 17 engines l, 13 crews l 3 bulldozers l, 24 water tenders l 8 masticators l 6 helicopters

Highlights: An Excessive Heat Warning is in effect Sunday through Thursday for portions of the fire area. This predicted hot, dry and breezy weather over the fire area will impact fire behavior creating drier fuel conditions and increasing smoke production. Conditions are anticipated to cause flare-ups within the fire perimeter.

There will be an increase in air resources, including Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS/drone), to assess potential changes in fire behavior. All ground and aerial fire resources continue to be vigilant, performing visual assessments, and ready to implement planned tactics if fire behavior increases and established control lines or control features are threatened.

Today’s Activities: Due to forecasted weather, fire behavior will likely increase. Today‘s fire behavior will include the potential for fire spread, especially on ridgetops in the fire perimeter. Smoldering, creeping, surface fire spread, and occasional flare-ups are expected. Firefighting crews will continue to have a presence in Agness. Fire crews will continue to work deeper into the fire footprint, extinguishing area of heat and completing mop-up operations. Chipping operations continue on the northeast perimeter near Indigo Creek. Crews continue to detect and extinguish hot spots especially where fuels are smoldering in the southwest area of the fire. Ariel resources continue to keep an eye on the fire’s eastern flank. Prep work will continue for contingency operations. Direct suppression actions will be employed if needed. Crews completed handlines along the wilderness boundary along the southern fire perimeter near Game Lake.

Weather: There is a Critical Fire Weather Warning area around the fire area continuing well into the week. Temperatures will trend 15 degrees warmer than average August conditions, and there is a 60-90 percent probability of Agness reaching 105 degrees or higher each afternoon from Monday-Wednesday. Slight wind gusts may be present on ridge tops.

Smoke: Smoke may be visible from the surrounding areas. 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, 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 public access to the Big Rock swimming hole on the Illinois River.

Evacuations: Level 1 “Get Ready” evacuation status is in place for areas near 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 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