07/16/2023
Fire Marshall was just here at the OB store and said this is the best page for the flat fire updates. Heads up folks it's gonna get smokey. Stay aware.
NEWS RELEASE: Flat Fire Update-July 16, 2023
Current estimated size for the Flat Fire, which is located in Oak Flat, which is two miles SW of Agness is 2000-3000 acres.
Due to high winds and steep terrain, the fire grew rapidly since reported at around 6:00 p.m. yesterday. Numerous ground resources and a robust air response engaged the fire, but despite these efforts, fire behavior was extreme with ΒΌ mile spotting and fire spread on both sides of the Illinois River.
Last night we worked on the east flank with a CFPA dozer, engines and a handcrew to protect the community of Oak Flat. The Incident Commander (IC) and engines were engaged on the fire throughout the night.
Additional resources will be arriving this morning and throughout the day. A Type III IC will be taking the fire this morning and NW Team 6 is enroute to the fire with an inbrief scheduled for 4:00 p.m. today.
Extensive air resources will be utilized throughout the day, as well as an aggressive response from ground resources. The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is committed to protecting the communities of Oak Flat and Agness and will continue to work to keep the fire as small as possible. Weather conditions and terrain are not favorable and rapid growth is expected over the next few days.
Weather conditions are expected to be similar today with winds picking up in the afternoon and early evening. As always, we ask the public to exercise caution and follow all fire restrictions in place.