September 14, 2023 Flat and Anvil Fires Update
This morning, Great Basin Incident Management Team (IMT) 4 took command of the fire. Team 4 will continue to support the firefighters assigned to both the Flat and Anvil Fires while working with the local land management and fire suppression agencies to ensure the safety of the public and firefighters. Objectives include full fire containment while minimizing adverse impacts to cultural, recreational, natural resources, watershed, wilderness, wildlife habitat, and local business concerns.
Anvil Fire
Size: 1,433 acres
Start Date: August 25, 2023
Location: 8 miles east of Port Orford, OR
Containment: 0%
Total personnel: 351
Yesterday firefighters continued their efforts to protect area residences by digging firelines and preparing hoses and pumps used to protect homes if the fire approaches them. Morning winds out of the north shifted to the northeast by afternoon, when gusts reached up to 25 mph on ridgetops. Heavy smoke was visible over the Port Orford area as fire activity increased on the north and west sides of the fire.
Helicopters dropped approximately 49,000 gallons of water on the fire yesterday to support fire crews working on the ground. Increased afternoon winds prevented flying later in the day and helicopters were set down for safety. Firefighters worked late into the night as the fire continued to burn actively due to low overnight humidity. In the valleys, humidity is higher and the winds have not been as strong, which has led to less fire activity at lower elevations.
Evacuations: A Level 3 “Go“ evacuation status was initiated this morning along Elk River Road from milepost 4 to the Butler Bar Campground by the Curry County Sheriff. The Sheriff assigned a Level 2 “Get Set“ evacuation yesterday from Edson Creek Campground to Sixes River Campground, about 16 miles east of U.S. Highway 101, on Sixes River Road. Sign up for Curry Co. emergency alerts at https://bit.ly/CurryCoEM.
Flat Fire
Size: 34,242 acres
Start Date: July 15, 2023
Location: 2 miles southeast of Agness, OR
Containment: 75%
Total personnel: 308
Resources: 4 crews, 3 helicopters, 11 engines
Heavy equipment and hand crews continue to repair firelines that were created as contingency containment lines for the fire. Much of the work has been completed, which will allow equipment to begin repairing the primary fire containment lines. The winds this week have not caused any fire growth on the Flat Fire. Although some smoke may be visible, it is generally from internal pockets of unburned vegetation. Fire managers will continue to monitor this activity and respond as appropriate to prevent additional fire spread while also ensuring firefighter safety.
Evacuations: A Level 1 “Get Ready” evacuation status is in place for areas near the Flat Fire.
General Information
Weather: A Red Flag Warning, an indication of weather that could contribute to large fire growth, is in effect in the fire area through noon today. Ridgetop winds are expected to be 15-20 mph with gusts to 25 mph. Atmospheric instability may lead to increased fire behavior this afternoon. Cooler temperatures and increase chances for moisture are possible by the weekend.
Smoke: Visit the link below for current smoke and air quality updates.
Area and Road Closures: The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest (RRSNF) has issued a closure order for the Anvil Fire (06-10-28-23-63). Please drive slowly and with headlights on through any fire area. Heavy equipment and firefighter transportation vehicles are using the area highways and roads as well. Visit link below for closure information. Check www.tripcheck.com in Oregon and www.quickmap.dot.ca.go in California for current road closures and safe detours as these are changing frequently. Do not use forest roads for alternate routes.
Restrictions: The RRSNF fire danger is high and the Industrial Fire Precaution is at Level 2. Public Use Restrictions (PUR) remain at Stage 3 across the forest and on the Wild Section of the Rogue National Wild and Scenic River. Visit link below for more information. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the fire areas. Please do not fly unmanned aircraft (drones) in the fire vicinity.
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