Single Publication

Smith River Complex North update for Thursday, August 24, 2023

Grants Pass, Ore. – Yesterday, winds from the north pushed smoke away from the northern edge of the Kelly Fire. Fire personnel took advantage of this break in the smoky conditions to utilize aircraft. Helicopters made water drops to slow the fire’s spread and cool flare-ups. Helicopters and an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS or drone) mapped the fire perimeter and identified areas of special concern.

Utilizing the information derived from the UAS, firefighters and heavy equipment are constructing fire lines near Gilligan Butte, working to make a fuel break from Hwy 199 to Forest Road 4402 and the powerline corridor. Fire personnel assigned to Smith River Complex North are also working with local resources to protect structures in Josephine County that may become threatened by fire.

There are 88 residences and outbuildings that have been identified within the area covered by the Level 2 “Be Set” evacuation notification in Josephine County. These structures are being assessed for protection needs, and fuels mitigation is being completed. Fuels mitigation can include cutting tall grasses and brush and removing the lower limbs from trees. Firewood and other flammable materials are moved away from buildings, making structures less likely to ignite and burn.

There is a Red Flag Warning going into effect this afternoon through early Friday due to the potential for thunderstorms with abundant lightning. Thunderstorms usually bring gusty, erratic winds which can cause the fire to grow rapidly and in unexpected places. Temperatures are also expected to be warmer, with low relative humidity. If new fires are detected nearby, firefighters assigned to Smith River Complex North will assist with initial attack.

Del Norte County has issued a Level 3 evacuation notice from the Oregon/California border south. Specifics of this closure can be found at https://www.facebook.com/DelNorteOfficeOfEmergencyServices/.

Josephine County has issued a Level 2 evacuation notice along Hwy 199 south of mile post 39 to the California border, and a Level 1 evacuation for the community of O’Brien south of Rough & Ready Creek. For more information and maps, visit the Rogue Valley Emergency Management site at https://www.rvem.org. 

The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest has implemented an area and road closure order for the Smith River Complex. Visit the forest website for additional information https://tinyurl.com/2s4hymku.

Today, there will be a community meeting at 6:00 p.m. It will be held at the staging area across from 30159 Redwood Hwy, Cave Junction. The meeting will also be live-streamed on Smith River Complex North 2023 Facebook.