July 19, 2023 9:30 a.m. 

The Flat Fire burning near Agness in Curry County is nearing 13,000 acres with over 500 personnel involved in fire suppression efforts.

The latest update from the Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest said the fire has spread toward Wild Horse Ridge up Lawson Creek on its west side. Dry vegetation and winds have been the primary driver of the fire growth. Northeast winds have helped prevent the fire from being able to grow to the north. Wind direction and control lines created by firefighters have enabled crews to keep the fire from moving toward the community of Agness. Heavy smoke will continue to impact nearby communities.

Tuesday night, firefighters had successful burnout operations in the northwest section and these will continue if conditions allow. Small burn out operations enable firefighters to consume vegetation between them and the wildfire making firefighting safer and slowing fire spread protecting local communities. The update said on the northeast section of the fire, crews are working to improve roads to increase access around the fire. On the north section, crews are strengthening fire lines and using hose lines to protect the community of Agness. Structure protection groups are in place working to protect buildings.

Five hundred sixteen personnel are assigned to the fire. That includes ten engines, seventeen crews, four bulldozers, two water tenders, six masticators and seven helicopters.

A Red Flag Warning is in effect in parts of southern Oregon due to gusty winds and low humidity. An Air Quality Alert is in place through 11:00 p.m. Wednesday for parts of Curry and Josephine counties. Air quality is expected to reach unhealthy levels at times.

Fire updates are available at: https://www.facebook.com/flatfireoregon2023