Single Publication

Flat Fire - July 19, 2023 - Evening Update  

Flat Fire Quick Facts

Size: 12,756                                               

Start Date:  July 15, 2023 

Point of origin: 2 miles south east Agness, OR 

Cause: Under Investigation 

Total personnel: 516 

Resources: 10 engines, 17 crews, 4 bulldozers, 2 water tenders, 6 masticators, 7 helicopters 

Current Situation: Crews are about halfway through completing small, targeted burnout operations in the northern section of the fire, protecting the community of Agness. 

“We’re fortunate to have the amount of resources available to make good progress while the weather and wind direction is in our favor. We have enough resources to fortify our efforts as needed,” said Acting Forest Supervisor Jake Winn. 

Firefighters and South Coast Lumber are working cooperatively together to improve an existing shaded fuel break utilizing Forest Service Road 3318. Crews are preparing to further strengthen lines along the western flank.  

In the southwest, crews have been able to secure handline from Forest Road 3318 to an already burned area of the fire.  

Tonight’s activities: The night shift crews will be securing the work done during the day and looking for opportunities to burnout. 

Evacuations: Please monitor the Curry and Josephine County Sheriff’s Offices for official evacuation notices. https://www.co.curry.or.us/government/county_sheriff/index.php https://www.josephinecounty.gov/government/sheriff/index.php 

Weather: Clear skies and gusty winds above the inversion. 

Smoke: Smoke Forecast Outlooks are available at https://www.oregonsmoke.org/?m=1  

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.  

Restrictions: Fire Restrictions are in place https://www.fs.usda.gov/rogue-siskiyou 

Information Line: 541-216-4579 8am-8pm                   Media inquiries: 541-237-6369 8am-8pm 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flatfireoregon2023  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlatFireOR2023 

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/xx1002-flat-fire   

Email: 2023.flat.or@firenet.gov