7/24/2023 Flat Fire AM Update

 

July 24, 2023 Morning Update

Incident Information Public Information: (541) 216-4579 (8am-8pm) Media Inquiries: (541) 237-6369 Email: 2023.flat.or@firenet.gov InciWeb: Flat Fire Inciweb Page  ‌ ‌

Flat Fire Quick Facts

Size (acres): 22,066 Containment: 3% Start Date: July 15, 2023 Point of Origin: 2 miles SE of Agness, OR Cause: Human Caused - under investigation

Total Personnel: 1497 Resources: 40 engines 36 crews 8 bulldozers 26 water tenders 8 masticators 8 helicopters

Flat Fire Public Information Map Click the map to view a larger version.

Current Situation

Moderate fire behavior is expected today due to cool weather and slightly higher humidities. The fire continues to be most active in the southwest where it’s burning in the Biscuit Fire scar through thick vegetation and snags and is more moderate in the southeast where the fire is burning within the previous Klondike Fire scar.

Today's Activities

Firefighters are using heavy machinery within an old mining road near Forest Service Trail #1174 in an effort to create a control line to the south of the fire. This was also utilized as a suppression line during the Klondike Fire. The control line starts at Game Lake and heads east, traversing the Kalmiopsis Wilderness at its northern boundary. Crews have successfully implemented strategic firing operations (burnout) and established control lines along the northern perimeter. Firefighters will continue to assess opportunities and mobilize resources for additional contingency control lines in a proactive manner ahead of dry and windy conditions in the coming weeks. In the northeast, crews plan to continue firing operations followed by mop up and patrol. Resources are being moved around the fire’s edge as work is completed to support firing operations and establish control lines as directly as possible along the fire perimeter. Firefighters plan to use Unstaffed Aerial Systems (UAS) for firing operations in areas that are unsafe to access and will also add depth to control lines.

Evacuations

A Level 2 “Get Set” evacuation notice remains in effect from Agness to Quosatana Creek, Oak Flat, Old House Creek Road, and Spud Road. Curry County is sending evacuation notices utilizing Everbridge. Sign up by going to the Curry County website and clicking on the Everbridge notification link. Monitor the Curry and Josephine County Sheriff’s Offices for official evacuation notices. Curry County Sheriff's Office Josephine County Sheriff's Office

Weather

Cool temperatures and higher humidities are expected today. Smoke: Air Quality and Smoke Information is Available Here

Closures

The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest has issued a closure order for the fire area including trails, roads, and a portion of the Illinois River. Please be careful when driving in the area due to increased fire traffic. Flat Fire Emergency Closure Please be careful when driving in the area due to increased fire traffic.

Fire Restrictions Fire Restrictions are in place. Current Fire Restrictions