8/9/2023 Flat Fire Update

 

August 9, 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): 33,811 Containment: 39% Start Date: July 15, 2023 Point of Origin: 2 miles SE of Agness, OR Cause: Human Caused - under investigation

Total Personnel: 812 Resources: 20 engines 23 crews 4 bulldozers 27 water tenders 9 masticators 7 helicopters

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

Highlights

Helicopters conducted more water drops yesterday to fire to reduce fire activity. Smaller fuels are burning, but brush is still slow to ignite, which limits the ability of the fire to spread. Today and tomorrow will be cooler with slightly higher humidities before temperatures rise over the weekend. Firefighters remain ready for any potential changes in fire activity.

Today's Activities

Crews are beginning soil stabilization work in areas impacted by the fire and fire suppression activities. Smoke may be seen from hotspots in the southwestern portion of the fire – the hotspots are well within the containment line. Fire crews continue to assess and improve existing and alternate containment lines. Structural protection resources remain on duty in the Agness area. Firefighters are ready to respond if there are any changes in the fire. All motorists are asked to use caution when driving in the fire area – please slow down, use headlights, and watch for oncoming traffic.

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

Temperatures will be slightly cooler with moist conditions over the fire area. Winds will be similar to yesterday with a west-northwesterly flow in the afternoon. Thursday’s weather is expected to be almost a repeat of today. Higher temperatures and lower humidity will begin moving in Friday. 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