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Smith River Complex North update for Sunday, August 27, 2023

GRANTS PASS, Ore. – Activity on the Kelly Fire increased Saturday afternoon. Wind gusts of up to 18 mph and ongoing warm, extremely dry conditions drove fire spread.

A new spot fire established just west of Gilligan Butte but did not breach the primary containment line protecting the Illinois Valley near O’Brien. Protecting structures in this area and keeping the fire from crossing the primary containment line is a top priority for fire personnel. Fire resources are working day and night shifts, and three additional Hot Shot crews have arrived to engage in this effort.

Fire personnel also continue to construct direct and indirect fire lines from the Rough and Ready Creek drainage area northeast of the fire, south and west of Gilligan Butte along the 4402 Road to Hwy 199. They are also constructing lines southeast of Hwy 199 in the Elk Creek area south of the California Border, following the 18N11 Road to the 444 Road.

The weather forecast through Tuesday calls for a similar pattern of morning fog and persistent heavy smoke. This will result in poor air quality, low visibility, and limited air operations.

A Level 3 – GO NOW evacuation remains in place for the Hwy 199 area south of O’Brien from mile post 38 into California. A Level 2 – GET SET evacuation is in place for O’Brien and the Takilma area. A Level 1 – GET READY evacuation is in place heading north to Cave Junction. The American Red Cross has set up an evacuation shelter at Rogue Community College in Grants Pass. Livestock can be sheltered at the Josephine County Fairgrounds.

Due to increased fire activity, the public is encouraged to monitor the Rogue Valley Emergency Management site at https://rvem.org for updates and sign up for Citizen Alert if you have not already done so. The interactive Fire First Response Map showing evacuation areas can also be found there.

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 at https://tinyurl.com/2s4hymku. The Bureau of Land Management Coos Bay District announced an emergency closure of public lands south of Waldo Road and Happy Camp Road to the Oregon/California border. Additional information can be found at https://www.blm.gov/orwafire.

A community meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, August 28, at Illinois Valley High School, 625 E. River St., Cave Junction. The meeting will also be live-streamed on the Smith River Complex North 2023 Facebook page.