July 18, 2023 4:10 a.m. 

The Flat Fire is burning in nearly 5,500 acres, about two miles east of Agness in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in Curry County.

A Forest Service update said the fire was active and growing north to northeast on Monday. Fire managers are conducting reconnaissance for access points where firefighters can build fire line safely. Fire retardant was used to enhance fire line on the northwest side of the fire.

Firefighters are looking at conducting firing operations on the northwest corner, if conditions allow. This will enable firefighters to burn out vegetation between them and the active fire to limit potential fire growth.

Three hundred thirty-two firefighters are working on the fire.

An emergency area, road, trail and river closure was issued by Acting Forest Supervisor Jake Winn on Monday night.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has placed an Air Quality Advisory in effect for parts of Curry and Josephine counties through 11:00 p.m. Wednesday. DEQ said air quality is expected to reach unhealthy levels at times, due to the fire.

Get updates on the fire’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/flatfireoregon2023