Despite the slowed growth of the Smith River Fire Complex of just over 600 acres since Monday morning, and over an inch of precipitation over the fire in the past few days, fire authorities warn that the now 85,501 acre blaze is far from extinguished and expected to become increasingly more active as skies clear and temperatures rise this week.
Wet surface fuels will dry out and burn more actively after several days of minimal fire activity as crews work to refine a full-suppression plan that involves using both direct and indirect suppression tactics. Hotshot crews were working to extinguish pockets of heat as structure and contingency crews began removing hoses and other equipment from residential areas where they are no longer needed while still other crews continue to attack hotspots directly on the fire’s edge.
With secure lines around the north end of the fire and along Hwy 199, more fire resources are moving to the west edge of the fire and as weather conditions allow, control burns will be conducted from established containment features toward the main fire due to the unsafe, extremely steep, rugged terrain that could become more active within the containment area.
Currently assigned resources include 2,528 total personnel, 57 crews, 10 helicopters, 171 engines, and 18 dozers, and 37 Water Tenders and 16 masticators.
The California Highway Patrol reports that US Hwy 199 is open to all traffic with pilot cars escorting traffic through an eight-mile section of the highway where burned guardrails and other hazards are present. Expect day to day locations of closures depending on what work is being done, with wait time delays anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour.
Level 3 “Go Now”: Evacuation is in place for Rockland
Level 2 “Be Set”: is in place for O’Brien and the Takilma area, Rowdy Creek/Low Divide, Gasquet, Big Flat/Rock Creek, Patricks Creek Lodge, Little Jones/Washington Flat Residential Areas, Oregon Mountain Road Area, Sun Star.
Level 1 “Be Ready”: Evacuation is in place for Hiouchi and also remains in place north to Cave Junction.
