8/10/2023 Flat Fire Update

 

August 10, 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): 33,817 Containment: 44% Start Date: July 15, 2023 Point of Origin: 2 miles SE of Agness, OR Cause: Human Caused - under investigation

Total Personnel: 718 Resources: 16 engines 13 crews 4 bulldozers 24 water tenders 8 masticators 7 helicopters

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

Highlights

Fixed-wing aircraft with infrared detection monitor in and around the fire at night as weather allows. Data collected from these scouting assessments are used as necessary to deploy Uncrewed Aerial Systems (drones) to further detect any potential heat signatures. Scattered heat still remains within the fire perimeter, however, fire behavior has been low intensity with some creeping and smoldering. Crews are ready to take targeted action as needed if areas of heat are detected. Crews are working deeper into the fire footprint, scouting, controlling, and completing mop-up. Alternate containment lines using existing road systems are being prepped around the west and southwest border of the fire. Firefighters maintain a presence in the community of Agness and continue to perform visual assessments.

Today's Activities

Mop up, secure, and patrol existing lines, utilizing direct suppression tactics when appropriate and ensuring resources are remaining vigilant in all areas at all times. Firefighters continue to use mechanical equipment to create defensible fuel breaks along roads. Stabilization of alternate and contingency suppression features on the landscape is ongoing. Fire managers continuously assess fire behavior, taking deliberate and targeted actions with the right resources, as needed.

Evacuations

Level 1 “Get Ready” evacuation status in place for areas in the vicinity of the Flat Fire. Link to more information:

Curry County Emergency Management

Rogue Valley Emergency Management (Jackson & Josephine County) use Citizen Alert, sign up here:

Rogue Valley Emergency Management

Weather

A weather pattern developing over the region has shifted the weak high pressure from Tuesday eastward. As a result, the fire area is observing cooler temperatures and increased onshore flow. Areas of fog and low clouds were observed earlier this morning but have since lifted. Earlier this morning, relative humidity recoveries observed on the ridgetops slightly increased from yesterday. Winds in the morning were out of the northeast and shifted over to the west-northwest in the afternoon.  Smoke: Smoke may be visible from the surrounding areas.Air Quality and Smoke Information is Available Here:

Smoke Outlook

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. RRSNF Closures

Fire Restrictions 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 danger is currently extreme; the RRSNF is implementing Level 2 Public Use Restrictions. More information here:

Current Fire Restrictions