Single Publication

CURRENT SITUATION: Crews have been closely monitoring the Smith River Fire as they anticipated rainfall on Monday.

Today, they have returned to assess the impact of the rain on the fire. While there has been a change in management, the primary objectives of ensuring life safety, continued fire suppression efforts, and initiating suppression recovery activities remain unchanged. Incident Management Team 4 has transferred command to Incident Management Team 12. This transition was made following thorough meetings, shadowing, and briefings of Team 12 by Team 4. Effective today, Team 12 assumes command of the Smith River Complex. Minimal fire activity is expected along the fire line. The recent rain has helped in dampening the fire's spread, reducing the immediate threat. 

Crews will be conducting regular patrols along the fire line to ensure that any remaining hotspots or smoldering areas are promptly identified and addressed. Continuous monitoring of the fire's behavior and its potential to flare up will be a top priority to prevent any spread outside containment lines. Efforts to repair and rehabilitate areas where fire crews created fire breaks will commence. This includes mitigating the environmental impact caused during normal firefighting operations. Residents and visitors are urged to remain vigilant and stay informed about the latest updates from local authorities. While the immediate threat may have diminished, it is crucial to adhere to any safety instructions and be prepared for any unforeseen changes in fire behavior. Firefighter and public safety remain paramount in managing this incident. Your safety is our top priority, and we appreciate your cooperation and support during this challenging time. Updates will be issued every other day from this time (9/27/2023) forward. 

WEATHER: Weather over the fire area today will be mostly cloudy with rain expected to taper off in the morning, then isolated showers in the afternoon. Temperatures in the valleys will range from a high of 60°-65° with ridgetop temperatures in the mid to high 50’s. Relative humidity values will range from 71-78% in valleys to 76-83% along ridgetops. Winds are anticipated out of the northwest 4-7mph in the valleys, and 7-12mph along ridgetops. The extended outlook shows a weak weather system moving through the area until Friday with cooler than normal temperatures, and a 20-40% of showers.

EVACUATIONS: All evacuations have been lifted. For continuous updates, view the interactive evacuation map online tinyurl.com/29vv2wpm.

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 Grassy Flat Campground east of Gasquet 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, and trails around the Smith River Complex fires are closed (Forest Order No. 10- 23-08). View the Order, closure map, and day use exceptions on the Forest’s website: tinyurl.com/4atens8c.