08/07/2023 Flat Fire Update

 News - 08/07/2023

Size: 33,266 acres

Start Date: July 15, 2023

Point of origin: 2 miles southeast of Agness, OR

Containment: 39%

Total personnel: 795

Resources: 22 engines l 14 crews l 2 bulldozers l 29 water tenders l 6 masticators l 9 helicopters

 

Highlights: Smaller fuels are burning, but bigger fuels still have higher moisture content, limiting the ability of the fire to spread and ignite other fuels. Slightly cooler temperatures and higher humidity will be in place the next couple days, further hindering the spread of the fire. Firefighters remain ready for any potential changes in fire activity.

 

Today’s Activities: Crews are securing and improving existing containment lines to keep the fire within the current footprint. Firefighters are conducting mop-up to secure lines and are performing constant visual assessments in all divisions. Structure protection resources remain in place around Agness, actively surveying and evaluating structures. The alternate control lines on Forest System Roads (FSR) 1376 (to the south) and 1503, 3313, and 3680 (to the west) continue to be improved and remove fuels such as dead and downed woody materials. Night-shift resources hold and assess containment lines. Crews are ready to respond to any new fire starts in the area, if needed.

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

Weather: Temperatures will cool by 2 to 4 degrees and be in the low-80s to low-90s and humidity around 30- 40%. Winds continue to be terrain driven on slopes and valleys, with ridgetops seeing northeast winds in the morning and northwest 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