Friday’s Flat Fire update now reports that fire grew 2,084 acres since Wednesday now covering more than 31,471 total acres. The U.S. Forest Service has currently deployed 1,092 total personnel, 38 Engines, 16 crews, 1 bulldozers, 31 water tenders, 9 helicopters, and 4 masticators, used to grind or chew woody debris into one to two inch pieces leaving behind chipped woody debris.
As fire crews along the western edge of the fire continued to mop up and actively seek heat finding no areas of concern, 10 helitack firefighter crews transported into the fire by helicopter, were flown to the eastern portion of the fire to cooling hotspots as heat is detected as well as felling hazard trees and keep mopping up to ensure safe work conditions.
The second Incident Management Team arrived at the scene Thursday, and was inbriefed on the fire history, current status and firefighting strategies before assuming command of the incident on Saturday morning, August 5th at 6:00am.
Down in the southwest portion of the fire and near Game Lake, crews continued to increase fireline depth with aerial firing operations in efforts to develop deeper and more effective fireline in preparation for expected seasonally dry vegetation, hot temperatures, low relative humidities and wind that will create conditions that could challenge the fireline.
A variety of existing vegetation including brush, grass and timber continues to be consumed by the blaze as localized winds in the burn area create small spot fires which are being located by infrared detection cameras and quickly extinguished by fire crews that are then used to strengthen the fireline as seasonal winds dry vegetation and warm weather moves into the area.
As aerial resources look to achieve additional fireline depth between the western and eastern portions in the southwestern corner of the fire, structure protection resources continue identifying additional homes and buildings while collecting data to aid firefighters in future structure protection. The removal of vegetation and other fuels continues as fire authorities look to strengthen fireline along the western containment lines and the northeastern corner of the fire is being prepared for firing operations if the need arises due to changes in weather conditions and/or fire activity.
Air resources continue to be utilized as conditions and visibility allow and additional resources continue to arrive and to strengthen and create new firelines while looking for opportunities to use existing roads and bodies of water as natural fire breaks.
All remaining evacuation levels were reduced to Level 1 “Get Ready” evacuation status for all areas in the vicinity of the Flat Fire as of Monday, July 31st. The Curry County Sheriff’s Office will continue to coordinate with the Fire Incident Management Team and will notify all residents affected by the fire of any reasons to change evacuation levels. Curry County is using Everbridge to send evacuation notices. You can sign up for notifications here: https://www.co.curry.or.us/departments/emergency_management/index.php
Weather conditions forecast for slightly warmer temperatures and lower relative humidity and there is the potential for these to be the warmest day on the Flat Fire so far as the week progresses.
Fire Restrictions are in place, including campfires which are only permitted in designated campgrounds that have metal fire rings. Ensure your campfire is thoroughly extinguished before leaving.fs.usda.gov/rogue-siskiyou
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. Oak Flat Campground, Game Lake Campground, Wild Horse Campground and Snow Camp Lookout Recreation Rentals are all closed as part of the area closure. The Chetco River Road (FSR 1376) and Chetco/Pistol River Road (FSR 1407) are now closed. The updated closure allows for public access to the Big Rock swimming hole on the Illinois River. .
The area immediately east of Agness remains in a level 2 and the remainder of the areas around the fire are Level 2. The Curry County Sheriff’s Office will continue to coordinate with the Fire Incident Management Team and will notify all residents affected by the fire of any reasons to change evacuation levels. Curry County is using Everbridge to send evacuation notices. You can sign up for notifications here: https://www.co.curry.or.us/departments/emergency_management/index.php
