LOWER ROGUE RIVER CORRIDOR, Ore. – Firefighters continued to build line Monday on the Kelsey Peak Fire, located on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land approximately 15 miles west of Glendale. The western portions of line are holding well, and crews on the north and northwest areas worked to connect lines today. These operations are key to keeping the fire as small as possible and stopping its growth, which remains a top priority for the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT) 1 assigned to the incident, as well as the ODF Southwest Oregon District and BLM Medford District.
This morning, minimal fire growth was observed on the southwest and east sides of the fire; firefighters worked to keep the fire from spreading further in these areas. Changes in the weather were felt in the late afternoon, with cooler temperatures and showers observed by firefighters on the line, as well as thunderstorms over the fire and across southern Oregon.
While the rain is helpful in naturally slowing fire growth, it won’t extinguish the fire; firefighters are capitalizing on the decreased fire activity and pushing forward in their work. Rain and thunderstorms remain in the forecast in the coming days, creating the potential for new lightning-caused fire starts. Kelsey Peak Fire resources are available to support the initial attack of new wildfires as needed.
Tonight, resources will continue to focus on connecting lines around the fire and bolstering their strength where possible. As this work continues, containment on the fire will begin to be reflected.
The fire is burning north of the Rogue River along the Kelsey Creek drainage on steep terrain with dense vegetation, limited road access, and numerous hazards, including falling trees, rolling debris and snakes. Public and firefighter safety are top priorities on this incident.
The Rogue River remains open for permitted boaters near the Kelsey Peak Fire, however further downriver, restrictions are in place. Additional information is available here: https://tinyurl.com/MoonComplexInciweb
In the area of the Kelsey Peak Fire, firefighting activities may cause delays on the river.
Closures: The Rogue River Trail is closed from Horseshoe Bend to Flora Dell. A temporary closure of a portion of the Grave Creek to Marial Backcountry Byway (BLM Road 32-9-14.2) has been implemented by the BLM Grants Pass Field Office. The public is strongly encouraged to avoid the entire Byway to facilitate safe firefighter access on the steep, narrow, windy road. Members of the public may not enter closed areas, and all uses—including hiking, hunting and dispersed camping—are prohibited. Please see the map for full closure information on the BLM website: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions
Evacuations: The Curry County Sheriff’s Office issued a Level 3 – GO NOW evacuation order for the area of Rogue River Ranch, Tucker Flat Campground and the nearby area of Marial. The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management issued a Level 1 – BE READY evacuation notice Zone JCU-801. More info: https://tinyurl.com/KelseyPeakEvacs
Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A “TFR” is in place at an altitude from the surface up to and including 7,000 feet, daily (24 hours) until further notice. Complete information is available at https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr3/?page=detail_5_8274. Flying a drone near or around a wildfire compromises the safety of pilots and interferes with firefighting efforts.