Single Publication

Acres: 85,708

Containment: 20 percent

Cause: lightning

Start Date: Aug 15, 2023

Resources: 48 crews, 98 engines, 10 helicopters, 4 drones, 16 dozers, 19 masticators,

2 skid steers, 30 water tenders

Total Personnel: 2,091

ANNOUNCEMENT: Pacific Power plans to regenerate its main power line between noon and 2 p.m. Saturday. It anticipates restoring residential power in a phased approach Sunday (more information: tinyurl.com/4rtjvh2f).

CURRENT SITUATION: On Friday, firefighters on the southern half of the Kelly Fire continued to implement direct and indirect fire-suppression tactics while the duff, vegetation, and dead and down fuels gradually dry out to the point that firing operations can commence. On the fire’s southern perimeter, helicopters assisted a hotshot crew by dropping water on hotspots that the crew then further extinguished using hand tools. Along Highway 199, helicopters conducted water drops where the fire is creeping and smoldering in pockets of unburned, green trees. The water drops—which will likely occur again Saturday—will keep the fire in check, preventing it from gaining energy until ground crews can introduce low-intensity fire if necessary. Several chipping operations are underway along roads that will serve as containment features during next week’s firing operations.

FIRE BEHAVIOR AND WEATHER: The Kelly Fire was only minimally active Friday, and areas of heat remain isolated and scattered within the fire perimeter. However, after several days of full sun, the fire is starting to produce more smoke, particularly in areas where numerous stumps and large logs are being consumed. In the areas slated for burning operations, the vegetation near the ground—which facilitates low-intensity fire spread—remains too moist. Patience is required with this warming, drying trend: it is gradual but prolonged, and with no rain expected for at least ten days, firefighters are confident that next week will bring opportunities to conduct the firing operations, resulting in an increase in containment.

CLOSURES: Highway 199 is open; however, expect lengthy delays. Piloted traffic is reduced to one lane where crews are cutting hazard trees and repairing the fire-damaged roadway between Sandy Beach (near milepost 21) and Oregon Mountain Road (near milepost 31).

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.

EVACUATIONS: Del Norte County Level 2 (Get Set) and Level 1 (Get Ready) evacuation orders remain in effect. View the interactive evacuation map online for the most current evacuation information: 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