Particulates in air could reach unhealthy levels; advisory expires Saturday afternoon
By Shaun Hall, Rogue Valley Times
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an advisory that air quality in the Rogue Valley and on the Southern Oregon Coast could reach unhealthy levels at times through 5 p.m. Saturday because of smoke from the Flat Fire east of Gold Beach.
The advisory, issued Thursday, covers the areas of Medford, Ashland, Grants Pass, Brookings and Gold Beach, among others.
Meanwhile, the Oregon Office of Emergency Management reported Thursday that three personnel on the fire have been injured, although details have not been released.
Doug Epperson, a fire management team spokesman, said Thursday that he’s not aware of any serious injuries.
In other fire-related news, flights to use infrared technology to map the fire’s spread didn’t fly overnight, so the size of the fire officially remains at about 24 square miles, 15,217 acres, according to a Friday morning update. Zero percent of the fire has been contained, with the estimated containment date set at Sept. 1.
A fireline has been completed from the Illinois River west to Wildhorse Lookout on the fire’s northwest side. Fire has been most active to the west and remains about three miles south of Agness and the Rogue River. Fire movement to the east, where the Klondike Fire burned in 2018, has been less active.
AQI
To see Ashland’s current air quality index (AQI) level, click here.
The Curry County Sheriff’s Office issued a Level 2 evacuation notice Thursday from Agness to Quosatana Creek. A Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation remains in place (initiated July 15) on Old House Creek Road (at the end of Oak Flat Road and on Spud Road). Curry County is sending evacuation notices utilizing Everbridge, which provides notices via phone.
Additional areas near the fire have been put under an advisory to “be ready” to evacuate, according to the Curry County Sheriff’s Office. That includes an area taking in Agness to the Quosatana Creek Campground.
“This is all precautionary, and only the fire behavior will dictate what level we set,” according to a statement posted Thursday to the sheriff’s social media page.
The DEQ advises that smoke can irritate the eyes and lungs and worsen some medical conditions:
- People most at risk include young children, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and those who are pregnant.
- When smoke levels are high, stay inside if possible, with windows and doors closed. Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
- Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in indoor ventilation systems or portable air purifiers.
The fire started at about 6 p.m. Saturday, July 15, in the area of the U.S. Forest Service’s Oak Flat Campground along the Illinois River about 3 miles south of Agness. It was human caused, according to Curry County Sheriff John Ward, but officially its cause is listed as undetermined and under investigation.
According to Friday’s fire information report, fire growth to the southwest and south threatens the Kalmiopsis Wilderness and the Sour Game Botanical Area, along with multiple trailheads and Game Lake recreational infrastructure.
Although fire growth has been minimal to the north and east, private residences and businesses continue to be threatened in Agness and Oak Flat. The Agness Guard Station along with a cell tower there continues to be threatened, as does the Oak Flat Campground and the Illinois River West trailhead along Highway 33.
Main roads, including Bear Camp Road from Galice to Agness remain open, as does boating traffic on the Rogue River and foot traffic on the Rogue River Trail. The Illinois River Trail is closed, as is the Illinois River itself, from Miami Bar northwest of Selma.
The number of personnel assigned to the fire stands at 936, up slightly from 908 a day earlier. Eight helicopters, 11 engines and four bulldozers are assigned to the fire, along with other equipment. Air tankers have been flying from the Medford Airtanker Base at the Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport in support of firefighting efforts.
A community meeting will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 22, at the Gold Beach High School Cafeteria, 29516 Ellensburg Ave., Gold Beach, and live on the Flat Fire Facebook page.
Reach Rogue Valley Times outdoors and environmental reporter Shaun Hall at 458-225-7179 or [email protected]. This story first appeared in the Rogue Valley Times.
