July 22, 2023 11:00 a.m. 

The Flat Fire, burning in Curry County, is now listed at 18,463 acres.

An update from Northwest Incident Management Team 6 said overnight most fire activity was internal and crews were able to hold the fire within their control lines.

On Saturday, firefighters are working on extinguishing hot spots where they have completed burnout operations in the north and northwest areas, and attempting to keep the fire within their control lines. In the southern area, crews are preparing Forest Road 3318, also known as White Horse Road, working with South Coast Lumber resources using heavy equipment like masticators to clear vegetation, creating a fuel break to slow the fire spread. In the north east, timber fallers are finishing falling standing dead trees so crews can start burnout operations if possible. Structure protection groups are working to set up sprinkler kits around buildings.

On Saturday a community meeting will be held at 3:00 p.m. in the Gold Beach High School cafeteria. It will also be available to view on the fire’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/flatfireoregon2023

The closure order issued by the Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest for the fire area continues. That includes trails, roads and a portion of the Illinois River.

1,040 people are assigned to the Flat Fire.

Pacific Northwest Team 3 arrived Friday night and is shadowing Northwest Team 6 on Saturday. Team 3 will take over management of fire Sunday morning at 6:00 a.m.