(Image Credit: Dana Leavitt)
The Flat Fire that started July 15 2 miles south of Agness as of press time was at 8,204 acres.
Stats: 378 personnel, 16 engines, 13 crews, 2 bulldozers, 2 water tenders and 7 helicopters are assigned.
Current Situation from morning of July 18: 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.
Information Line: 541-216-4579, 8 a.m.- 8 p.m.