LOWER ROGUE RIVER CORRIDOR, Ore. – Crews on the Kelsey Peak Fire completed control lines along the eastern edge of the fire from the East Fork of Kelsey Creek to the main Kelsey Creek drainage. Connecting the control line on the southern end of the fire to both the Kelsey Creek drainage on the east and the existing fireline on the western edge of the fire will be completed today. The southern area is rocky and steep; challenging fireline construction and access to the fire.
Firefighters will transition their focus today to mop-up around the fire, securing the perimeter. Overnight, an infrared flight over the fire identified areas of heat within the perimeter. Crews will use these maps to focus work on hot spots adjacent to the control line. Aircraft will be supporting operations today as needed and available to respond to new fires in the area.
Fire behavior is expected to increase today through Saturday as temperatures warm and fuels begin to dry out. This change in weather will help firefighters identify areas of heat as they mop-up adjacent to the fireline. Gridding for heat and extinguishing hotspots is difficult and especially challenging in the steep terrain. Despite recent rainy, cool weather, firefighters are finding heat in larger fuels and fire burning roots and organic material deep in the soil.
Oregon Department of Forestry’s Complex Incident Management Team 1 continues to focus on minimizing impacts of the Kelsey Peak Fire on the Lower Rogue River corridor, surrounding historic and private structures, cultural and environmental resources, and communities near the fire. Resource advisors are working with the team to provide input for protection of sensitive areas during suppression activities.
The Rogue River remains open for permitted boaters near the Kelsey Peak Fire. 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.
Information for the Moon Complex is available here: https://tinyurl.com/MoonComplexInciweb.