Single Publication

SMITH RIVER COMPLEX—SOUTH Incident Update
Date: 9/15/23

Location: Six Rivers National Forest
Size: acres 88,970
Percent Contained: 38%
Cause: Lightning
Start Date: Tuesday, August 15, 2023, 6:01 PM
Vegetation: Timber (Litter and Understory) and Brush
Number of Personnel Assigned: 1,601


CURRENT SITUATION: Yesterday was the hottest, driest day in several weeks, the fire was not as active as expected but did grow due to light winds and a smoke inversion. Along US 199, firefighters continued to extinguish hotspots and secure the recent firing operation. In Stoney Creek, north of Gasquet, crews and helicopters continued to suppress areas of heat to prevent the fire from progressing west. On the fire’s east side near Washington Flat and Little Jones Creek, activity was mainly smoldering and creeping within the perimeter. Crews completed a shaded fuel break near Table Mountain that will serve as a secondary fireline. A shaded fuel break is where firefighters thin out trees and vegetation in areas to help control spread of wildfire. Near the southwestern area of the fire, crews continue a strategic firing operation around Coon Creek and continue to monitor and mop up areas of heat. The Hurdy Gurdy Fire was active on its eastern side, and crews are scouting for opportunities to keep it from spreading eastward and mopping up the southern perimeter. On the western side of the fire, crews will continue to patrol and mop up.

With the good weather, crews are planning small burning operations through the weekend. Work priorities for today are along US 199, Stoney Creek, and southeast side where the crews will attempt to use direct suppression tactics.

WEATHER: Conditions in the fire area remained dry throughout Thursday night. Hot and dry daytime conditions are expected to remain through Saturday. The smoke inversion is expected to lift by noon Friday, potentially creating favorable conditions for firefighters to continue planned firing operations.

EVACUATIONS: Some Del Norte County evacuation zones remain under either a Level 2 (Get Set) or Level 1 (Get Ready) evacuation order. View the interactive evacuation map online: tinyurl.com/29vv2wpm..

AIR QUALITY: Smoke Outlooks with air quality and forecast information are available here: tinyurl.com/258mfms3.

CLOSURES: US 199 in Del Norte County will be fully closed twice daily, Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 11 AM and from 1 PM. to 4 PM. During all open hours, traffic will be one-way and piloted between Madrona and Oregon Mountain Road. Motorists should anticipate delays during all open hours. Caltrans provides information on current highway conditions online (roads.dot.ca.gov), by phone (800-427-7623), and on Facebook (facebook.com/CaltransD1).

Six Rivers National Forest lands, roads, trails, and recreation sites in the vicinity of the complex are closed (Forest Order No. 10-23-06). View the Order and closure map on the Forest’s website: tinyurl.com/4atens8c.

Fire Information: 707-383-9727
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Email: 2023.SmithRiverComplex@firenet.gov
facebook.com/SixRiversNF
youtube.com/@smithrivercomplex-srf
Incident Website: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/casrf-smith-river-complex-