Aerial Operations Crucial in Ongoing Flat Fire Suppression Efforts

In the southwest corner of the fire in Lawson Creek drainage and the Game Lake area, firefighters have achieved significant progress in containing the wildfire with the aid of helicopters and aerial ignition. Helicopters successfully continued aerial ignition, extending the containment line further into the unburned interior.

To enhance fuels consumption in brush and shrub vegetation, a helitorch was used near the headwaters of Lawson Creek. Additionally, a 10-person helitack crew flew in by helicopter to the Fantz Ranch area along the eastern edge of the fire. They identified areas of heat through infrared photography and eliminated dangerous hazard trees, helping to slow the fire’s movement further east.

Firefighters utilized helicopter water bucket drops in the north fork of Indigo Creek to secure the containment line. They also mopped up areas of heat close to the containment line in the NE corner of the fire, specifically at the end of Forest System Road 150.

To prepare for potential changes in weather conditions or fire activity, firefighters improved alternate containment lines in the northeast corner of the fire by rerouting a stretch of fireline and constructing a handline. They also developed a firing plan for this area if needed.

Structure protection efforts focused on inventorying structures and reducing fuels at the Agness Guard Station. An overall structure protection plan is near completion to aid in safeguarding structures in the area, should the need arise in the future. Alternate control lines on Forest System Roads continue to be improved, and night-shift resources are holding and patrolling the fireline.

Today’s activities include completing aerial ignition efforts between the western and eastern portions of FSR 3680 in the Lawson Creek drainage, with additional burning planned to fill in non-contiguous areas of unburned fuel. Firefighters will continue to secure and mop up the containment line along SR 3680 and conduct aerial interior burning in the Game Lake area.

Motorists on Bear Camp Road are urged to exercise caution and slow down as fire traffic increases in the area.

The Pacific Northwest (Type 1) Incident Management Team 3 is nearing the end of its 14-day rotation and will be replaced by Northern Rockies (Type 1) Incident Management Team 2, starting at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 5. The transfer of command will involve shadowing and transferring intelligence to the new team, ensuring a seamless transition of leadership and resources.

Evacuation levels have been downgraded to Level 1 “Get Ready” for all areas in the vicinity of the Flat Fire. The Curry County Sheriff’s Office will coordinate with the Fire Incident Management Team to notify affected residents of any changes to evacuation levels. However, with a drier air mass moving over the area, temperatures are expected to increase and relative humidity to decrease through the weekend, potentially leading to increased fire behavior. Fire personnel and resources will remain in place during the transfer of command to address any emerging challenges.

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