LOWER ROGUE RIVER CORRIDOR, Ore. – Rain over the Kelsey Peak Fire beginning late Monday evening continued, moderating fire behavior across the incident overnight. Firefighters were able to focus on mop-up into the interior of the fire on the western edge and bulldozers were used to extend the control line southward. Today firefighters will work to find terrain features along the southern perimeter to construct control lines connecting to the western edge.
Mop-up along the northern control line extended up to 50 feet into the interior on the northwest corner. Crews were able to expose areas of heat buried such as burning roots, using higher humidity and water to extinguish the hotspots. Today resources will continue this work moving further along the control line to secure the fire.
Rain showers are expected today, aiding in suppression efforts, however afternoon thunderstorms could bring erratic winds over the fire. Firefighters were reminded at briefing that the rainy conditions increase hazards in the fire area, and they need to be mindful as they work. Incident objectives for Oregon Department of Forestry’s Complex Incident Management Team 1 include prioritizing public and firefighter safety during suppression activities.
On the eastern side of the fire, crews and equipment have improved access and are constructing fireline adjacent to the fire’s edge where possible in the rugged terrain. Overnight handline was completed from the jeep trail in the northeast corner of the fire down to Kelsey Creek; today efforts will focus on building line from the jeep trail toward East Fork of Kelsey Creek.
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. 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.