Single Publication

Acres: 85,520

Containment: 19 percent

Cause: lightning

Start Date: Aug 15, 2023

Resources: 56 crews, 146 engines, 10 helicopters, 4 drones, 16 dozers, 21 masticators,

1 skid steer, 36 water tenders

Total Personnel: 2,511

CURRENT SITUATION

For several days, firefighters have been preparing and implementing an extensive suppression plan. They are using all available resources—including heavy equipment, engines, hand crews, hotshot crews, and aircraft—to construct and improve the effectiveness of containment lines while simultaneously suppressing the Kelly Fire directly along its perimeter wherever it’s safe to do so. In areas where crews cannot safely access the fire perimeter, they will be conducting firing operations as soon as vegetation moisture levels and weather conditions allow. A hotshot crew on the southwest side of the fire conducted a test burn Tuesday, but the vegetation did not adequately carry the fire, so the crew did not proceed. Today, crews working at higher elevations on the east side may do another test burn at a drier site. Smoke production will likely be minimal today. However, if managed ignitions can commence toward the end of the week, expect to see an increase in smoke, primarily along the southern and eastern sides of the Kelly Fire.

FIRE BEHAVIOR AND WEATHER

Tuesday was the first day of full sunshine on the fire since August 31. However, fire behavior was minimal—consisting primarily of smoldering and creeping—because the landscape and vegetation remain moist from recent precipitation, high overnight humidity, and light winds. Although the long-term warming, drying trend will continue, Wednesday is expected to be slightly cooler and more humid, and fire activity should once again be very low. As long as hold-over fires from last weekend’s lightning strikes are possible, the initial attack group will remain in place and will quickly respond to reports of new fires.

CLOSURES

While Highway 199 is open to all traffic, expect travel delays up to 45 minutes. A one-way, piloted traffic control exists between Sandy Beach (near milepost 21) and Oregon Mountain Road (near milepost 31). The piloted segment will change as crews repair burned guardrails, clear rocks off the roadway, and remove hazard trees.

Six Rivers National Forest lands, roads, trails, and recreation sites in the vicinity of the Complex are closed (Forest Order No. 10-23-06). The Order and map can be viewed on this Six River National Forest web page: tinyurl.com/4atens8c.

EVACUATIONS

On Tuesday, Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office lifted the Level 1 (Get Ready) evacuation order for the Hiouchi area. Even if the absence of evacuation orders, all residents living in fire-prone areas should always be prepared and have a “Get Ready” mindset. Level 2 and Level 3 evacuation orders remain in effect. View the interactive evacuation map online for the most current information on evacuations: tinyurl.com/yp3d99sr.

AIR QUALITY

A daily Smoke Outlook with current and expected air-quality information is available here: tinyurl.com/yb29zy6f.

FIRE INFORMATION: 

Email: 2023.SmithRiverComplex@firenet.gov (South and North)

Phones: 707-383-9727 (South), 541-801-3495 (North)

Facebook: facebook.com/SixRiversNF