LOWER ROGUE RIVER CORRIDOR, Ore. – Containment on the Kelsey Peak Fire increased to 44% as crews continue mop-up work around the perimeter. The lightning-sparked fire, located 15 miles west of Glendale in the Lower Rogue River Corridor, burned 1,039 acres in steep rugged terrain along the Kelsey Creek drainage.
Crews have constructed fireline around the perimeter of the fire and continue to strengthen the line, working into the interior of the fire nearly 200 feet in some areas. Unmanned Aircraft, equipped with infrared (IR) technology is being used to focus gridding on specific areas around the fire’s edge. Falling modules are working with crews and fire engines to mitigate overhead hazards as they move deeper into the interior of the fire looking for areas of heat and flame.
As containment increases for the fire and the perimeter is secured, hose and pumps that are no longer needed for containment efforts are being backhauled off the fireline to clean and prepare for use on the next incident. Overnight, resources focused on mopping up and patrolling the fire to ensure the fire remains within the current footprint.
Rain showers should diminish this morning, with partly sunny conditions expected today. This will begin a warming and drying trend for the next several days. As winds pick up later today, they may fan smoldering embers, increasing visible smoke and flames, aiding firefighters in identifying hot spots to extinguish.
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 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.