Flat Fire Passes 15,000 Acres as Firefighting Crews Continue to Arrive

In the latest updates on the ongoing Flat Fire, significant strides have been made overnight in hopes to contain the blaze that began on July 15, 2023, approximately 2 miles southeast of Agness, OR. The fire, which remains under official investigation for its cause, has seen a series of targeted burnout operations in the northwest flank, effectively reducing the spread of the fire in that area.

Currently, masticators are actively working around the fire zone, aiding firefighter operations by clearing vegetation and creating defensible spaces. As a result, approximately 30% of the west flank has been successfully contained, with minimal spread to the north.

The efforts to secure control lines have been making steady progress, with firefighters having completed about half of the control lines in the northern section of the fire. Personnel from various businesses and agencies are joining forces to combat the Flat Fire, including local firefighters from surrounding communities like Gold Beach, Brookings, and Agness.

Today’s agenda is focused on enhancing existing firebreaks utilizing Forest Service Road 3318, where firefighters, in collaboration with South Coast Lumber, are committed to slowing the fire’s spread through controlled small burnout operations on the western flank. Additionally, specialized structure protection groups will continue their efforts in preparing buildings in the affected areas.

The scale of the operation is extensive, with a total of 908 personnel dedicated to the containment efforts. These resources include 10 engines, 34 crews, 4 bulldozers, 2 water tenders, 7 masticators, and 8 helicopters.

As of now, the fire spans an area of 15,217 acres, but the combined efforts of the firefighting teams have been instrumental in limiting its reach. The most active part of the fire currently remains the west flank, and ongoing monitoring will continue to address this challenge.

As the situation evolves, Medford Alert will continue to provide updates.

You can track this fire through our 2023 Wildfire Season partner’s Wildfire Aware app.