AGNESS, Ore. — The Flat Fire, burning in the Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest in southern Oregon, has burned 33,246 acres as of Sunday, the U.S. Forest Service and the Northwest Incident Management Team reported.
The fire is human-caused, fire officials said, and remains under investigation. It's located about two miles southeast of the small community of Agness and about 30 miles northeast of Gold Beach. The fire, which started July 15, is burning in fire scars from the Biscuit (2002) and Klondike (2018) fires.
It continues to be most active in the southwest in the burn scar of the Biscuit Fire and more less active in the southeast in the burn scar of the Klondike Fire.
Fire officials said crews have implemented successful burnouts and established control lines along the northern perimeter of the fire and are working Monday to create a control line to the south.
"Firefighters are using heavy machinery within an old mining road near Forest Service Trail #1174 in an effort to create a control line to the south of the fire," officials said in a July 24 update. "This was also utilized as a suppression line during the Klondike Fire. The control line starts at Game Lake and heads east, traversing the Kalmiopsis Wilderness at its northern boundary."
Level 1 (Get Ready) evacuation orders remain in place from Agness to Quosatana Creek, Oak Flat, Old House Creek Road and Spud Road. Evacuees can go to the evacuation shelter at Gold Beach High School. Sign up for emergency alerts in Curry County here and in Josephine County here.
The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest issued a closure order for the fire area, including trails, roads, and part of the Illinois River.
As of Sunday, a total of 841 firefighters and personnel were battling the blaze, with 41 fire engines, 16 crews, two bulldozers, 27 water tenders, four masticators and nine helicopters dedicated to the fire.
Here's what evacuation levels mean
Level 1 Notice - Be Ready: Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area and monitor local media outlets for information. Residents with special needs should take note and begin making arrangements to evacuate. Evacuations at this time are voluntary.
Level 2 Notice - Be Set: This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready at a moment's notice. Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate.
Level 3 Notice - Go Now: Danger to your area is current or imminent, and you should leave immediately. Listen to local media and watch for emergency personnel who may be coming by to give further instructions regarding the evacuation.
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