LOWER ROGUE RIVER CORRIDOR, Ore. – All control lines remain strong on the Kelsey Peak Fire as firefighters continue to push into the perimeter, extinguishing hot spots to build depth on the line. This work ultimately adds to overall containment, which has now reached 68%. The fire, located approximately 15 miles west of Glendale, is still being held by resources at 1,039 acres.
Rain was felt across the Kelsey Peak Fire early Sunday morning, continuing intermittently into the early afternoon. Rain totals varied from a quarter to four-tenths of an inch on the fire. This small weather system naturally aided resources during mop-up efforts but created slippery conditions on the steep slopes. Safety remains a top priority as work continues on tough terrain with numerous hazards. Hazardous trees that threaten firefighter safety are still being removed near the Kelsey Creek drainage on the east side of the fire. Firefighters also collected unneeded equipment in this area and brought it back to fire camp to be readied for the next incident.
Today, firefighters will continue mopping up across the fire; on the western and northern portions of line, resources have built between 200 and 250 feet of depth inside the perimeter. This work is tedious, requiring firefighters to methodically grid through areas looking for signs of heat or smoke. Smoldering vegetation can remain dormant until warm, windy weather causes it to flare up. With those exact conditions in the forecast later this week, this work is critical to retain control of the fire and continue to move forward in extinguishing it.
This upcoming shift in the weather is predicted to bring warmer temperatures, winds and lower relative humidity, starting today and worsening Tuesday. This combination can naturally fuel fire activity, and firefighters will be watching this week for any increase in fire behavior.
Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Complex Incident Management Team 1, assigned to the Kelsey Peak Fire since last Monday, is coordinating with the Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team 5 on the Moon Complex, approximately eight miles to the west. ODF Team 1 resources are re-opening old firelines used during past fires as contingency lines for the east flank of the Moon Complex and mitigating fuels around structures in the Rogue River Ranch, Tucker Flats, and Marial areas to support Great Basin Team 5 objectives. For more information on the Moon Complex, visit https://www.facebook.com/SWORFireInfo
Rogue River Access: Fire activity can drastically alter the river environment. Mitigation measures may be in place. It’s an evolving situation and updates will be shared as soon as possible. Permitted boaters can contact the BLM Smullin Visitor Center at 541-618-2408 or BLM_OR_MD_Rogue_River_Mail@blm.gov with questions about the status 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 issued a Level 2 – BE SET 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 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.