The latest information released from U.S. Forest Service Wednesday morning, according to infrared imaging performed late last evening, the Flat Fire grew over 4,552 acres in the past 24 hours, and now has consumed more than 12,756 acres as it continues to burn primarily in the burn scars from the Biscuit and Klondike fires.
Fire crews have worked tirelessly to keep the fire within control lines that crews have been working to establish in the northwest portion since the fire began Saturday afternoon. Steep terrain and limited access points continue to hinder the now the over 516 firefighters after 138 more firefighters were added in the past day.
As crews work to protect surrounding communities, and infrastructure, fire crews were successful completing small controlled burnouts ahead of the fire in an effort to reduce fuel to starve the fire on the north flank and protect communities in the Agness area.
Fire managers utilized air resources throughout the day to help firecrews by dropping water and fire retardant to temporarily slow the fires advancement as crews struggle to create and maintain fire lines to ultimately surround the fire in containment lines.
Weather conditions continue to be favorable for fire growth and the fire is expected to continue to be active today as crews face spotting from 3/4 to a mile ahead from the ridge tops of the main perimiter, continuing to create heavy smoke in nearby communities.
Currently the U.S. Forest Service has deployed 10 Engines, 17 crews, 516 firefighters, 4 bulldozers, 2 water tenders and 7 helicopters, and 6 masticators, used to grind or chew woody debris into one or two inch pieces, leaving behind chipped woody debris.
Air resources continue to be utilized as conditions and visibility allow and resources are expected to continue to arrive over the next several days. Fire crews continue to strengthen and create new firelines while looking for opportunities to use existing roads and bodies of water as natural fire breaks.
In the next 24 hour period, fire officials expect the fire to continue to burn aggressively towards Wildhorse Ridge and Wildhorse Lookout on the west side of the fire and continue burning up Lawson Creek. The south and east side of the fire is expected to continue with short uphill runs and flanking fire.
Also, 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 and fire restrictions issued Monday also remain in place. So far no official evacuation notices have been issued.
