LOWER ROGUE RIVER CORRIDOR, Ore. – Continued hard work by firefighters on the Kelsey Peak Fire, 15 miles west of Glendale, has increased containment to 12% for the incident. Control lines have been completed along the west, north, and northeast areas of the fire. Fireline has been constructed directly on the fire’s edge in these areas, and crews are mopping up into the interior and gridding for heat.
Steep, rugged terrain and thick vegetation make both line construction and mop-up challenging for fire crews. There have been no accidents or injuries on the incident since the fire was reported on September 3, 2025.
Crews continue working to secure the perimeter of the fire as weather transitions to warmer and drier conditions. Nearly ¾ of an inch of rain has fallen across the incident in the last 36 hours, temporarily reducing fire behavior, but as fuels begin to dry smoke and flames will be more visible. Reduced fire behavior is allowing crews to construct the line at the fire’s edge, minimizing the overall size of the fire. An infrared flight overnight showed hotspots along the east perimeter where crews are working to connect control lines and increase the mop-up depth adjacent to the fireline.
Overnight improved access to the southeast corner of the fire was completed; today crews will continue direct fireline construction as conditions allow and build hoselays, increasing water availability for mop-up along the control lines.
“It was a great night!” Brent O’Nion, Night Operations Section Chief, stated during the morning operational briefing. “Night crews built off the work you guys put in yesterday, extending the mop-up depth and getting into Kelsey Creek to begin direct handline construction on the southeast corner!”
Nine helicopters are assigned to the fire to support ground resources in the suppression efforts. Smoke has limited visibility, but as conditions improve, they will engage. Air resources from the Kelsey Peak Fire are also supporting initial attack activities in coordination with local agencies.
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
Firefighting activities on the Kelsey Peak Fire may cause delays; boaters are encouraged to use caution on this part of 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. Unauthorized individuals 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 decreased the Level 3 – GO NOW evacuation order for the area of Rogue River Ranch, Tucker Flat Campground and the nearby area of Marial to a Level 2 – BE SET. The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management has a Level 1 – BE READY evacuation notice for Zone JCU-801 in place. 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.