Flat Fire
July 18, 2023
Morning Update
Flat Fire Quick Facts
Size: 8,204
Start Date: July 15, 2023
Location: 2 miles south east
Agness, OR
Cause: Under Investigation
Total personnel: 378
Resources: 16 Engines
13 crews
2 bulldozers
2 water tenders
7 helicopters
Current Situation: The Flat Fire is burning in historic burn scars from the Biscuit and Klondike fires. Firefighters
are working around standing dead trees (snags) and thick vegetation within these burn scars. The landscape is
characterized by steep terrain and limited access points. Fire managers are being deliberate on firefighting
tactics to keep firefighters safe, protect surrounding communities, and infrastructure. Night crews were able
to take advantage of more favorable conditions overnight. The fire is expected to continue to be active today
creating heavy smoke in nearby communities.
Today’s activities: More resources have arrived and will do so over the next several days. Firefighters are
continuing to strengthen and create new firelines. Firefighters are gaining reconnaissance looking for
opportunities to use existing barriers (roads, bodies of water) to safely engage the fire. Fire managers will be
using aviation resources as conditions and visibility allow.
Evacuations: Please monitor the Curry and Josephine County Sheriff’s Offices for official evacuation notices.
Weather: Sunny, warm, and dry with northeast winds.
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 on the https://www.fs.usda.gov/rogue-siskiyou
Smoke: Smoke Forecast Outlooks are available at https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook
