[UPDATE 6:15 p.m.: Live Video] Drier, Windy Weather Worries Firefighters on the Smith River Complex, Prompting New Evacuation Orders

As the #SmithRiverComplex fire moves closer, crews are working hard conducting firing operations, building hand lines, and preparing structures for protection in and around the community of Gasquet. Additionally, dozer lines are being established at key points to aid in this effort. [Crop of a photo from Six Rivers National Forest. Caption from post by Six Rivers also.]

The Smith River Complex wildfire has grown to a staggering 47,140 acres in just over one week, with containment efforts still standing at zero percent. A more favorable turn of weather conditions was observed yesterday, as a cooler and more humid airmass pushed marine air over the fire at various elevations. Temperatures remained in the low to mid 70s, offering a temporary assistance for firefighters battling the blaze.

Firefighters seized the opportunity to bolster their efforts against the flames, taking advantage of reduced fire activity and improved visibility to bring in firefighting aircraft. According to a press release by the Six Rivers National Forest Service, a fleet of Very Large Air Tankers (VLATs) delivered an estimated 300,000 gallons of fire-retardant throughout the day. This aerial support aimed to reinforce the work being carried out by ground crews along the 305/Rowdy Creek Road on the western periphery of the fire.

Additionally, the Forest Service stated, strategic drops of retardant were placed near dozer lines established at the base of Stony Creek, adjacent to the 18N10 road. These measures were put in place to help stop the southern advance of the Kelly Fire, preventing as it approaches Gasquet.

Yesterday, an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) equipped with infrared cameras arrived at the scene yesterday, enhancing the ability to accurately map the fire’s perimeter. Additional crews, engines, and equipment have also been mobilized.

However, weather conditions are projected to become slightly warmer and drier today, compounded by anticipated breezy winds from the northeasterly direction overnight. Tonight, firefighters will face tougher conditions. In response, the number of resources will be ramped up.

Stay current on fire conditions by following the official channels linked below.

To keep residents informed, a community meeting is scheduled for tonight at 6:00 pm at the Del Norte County Fairgrounds. The meeting aims to provide residents with vital updates on the fire’s progression and evacuation procedures. For those unable to attend in person, the meeting will be streamed live via the Six Rivers National Forest Facebook page and simulcast on KCRE 97.6, allowing the broader community to stay informed and engaged.

We’ve gathered the most important information about the Smith River Complex and organized it below for our readers.

Stats:

There are over 1227 personnel on the fire and this number is expected to rise with reinforcements in the coming days.

More Good Information:

The Weather:  

According to Six Rivers National Forest, “Today is expected to be slightly warmer and dryer, with the overnight winds forecasted to be breezy from a northeasterly direction.”

The Impacted Roads:

• The Del Norte County Sheriff ‘s Department has closed South Fork Road in accordance with the Six Rivers National Forest Supervisor’s Closure Order Number 10-23-06 effective August 20, 2023, through September 18, 2023. All vehicles will be asked to show proof of residency at the closure entrance. This measure is being taken to ensure incident safety. Forest access is not allowed, this includes hunting and other activities. Violation of the closure order could result in a citation.
• Howland Hill Road (Residents Only)
• County Roads 316, Shelly Creek, 315 Holiday Mine, 311 Old Gasquet Toll Road, 305 Weimer Road
• Forest Service Roads 16N19 and 17N07
• U.S. Highway 199 is fully closed in Del Norte County from Hiouchi Drive to the Oregon border due to the fires. A hard closure is in place on U.S. 199 at the Agriculture Station near the Oregon border. For the latest road conditions please visit quickmap.dot.ca.gov

https://www.facebook.com/CaltransD1/posts/pfbid0mPcnS4Ucrc5sodr3GywqQMhGvh1BBCx8ixCJJ6D7fMdi3sZG95F2LR8abHvV62kSl

Evacuations:

If you haven’t signed up or need to update your information for community alerts, please go to www.preparedelnorte.com

IMPORTANT: Both Josephine and Del Norte Evacuation zones are found on this map by following the link.

The Map:

• Public Info Map:
• KMZ Map–Zoom for detail or for 3D imagery, click on the map and download a file that connects with your Google Earth program.

Important links to also check. (Note: Sadly many do not update frequently–some are months out of date–but these are pages that should provide information and we recommend checking appropriate ones at least once per day.):

• Caltrans District 1 Facebook
• California Interagency Incident Management Team 15
• Del Norte County Sheriff
• Del Norte County Office of Emergency Services
• Red Cross
• Six Rivers National Forest
• InciWeb
• Sign up for the community alert system.
• Also check KPOD 97.9 FM and KCRE 94.3 FM at 8 a.m., 12 p.m., and 5 p.m.

UPDATE 6:15 p.m.: Live video of the Community meeting.

https://www.facebook.com/SixRiversNF/videos/612816104348396

Earlier:

• Red Flag Warning Issued as Lightning Strikes Pepper the Emerald Triangle
• Powerful Lightning Storm Leaves Multiple Fires to Combat in Northwestern California
• Lightning-Sparked Wildfires Stretch Resources in Northwestern California; Head Fire in Siskiyou County Estimated Over 3000 Acres
• Wildfires Unleashed on Northwestern California: Thousands of Acres Covered by Flames, Evacuations Ordered Following Lightning Storms
• Smith River Complex Now 30,392 Acres, 0% Containment
• Firefighters Keeping a Wary Eye on the Over 40,000 Acres Burning in the Smith River Complex