11/23/16 Maple Springs/Old Roughy Fire Morning Update

For a downloadable, printable PDF version, click here Maple Springs/Old Roughy Fire July 12, November 23, 2016, Morning Update Summary: Command of the Maple Springs and Old Roughy fires transitioned from the Type 2 Rocky Mountain Incident Management Blue Team to the Type 1 Southern Area Blue Team at 7:30 a.m. today. There will be no change in strategy or tactics with the new team coming in. Firefighters are still mopping up and patrolling containment lines while also doing rehabilitation work on dozer lines, helispot bases and other areas that were disturbed by suppression activities. Crews will be spreading seed and fertilizer in those areas to prevent potential erosion due to rainfall and runoff. A reconnaissance flight on Tuesday evening revealed only three small areas of heat on the Maple Springs fire, all of which are well within containment lines. Size and containment on the Maple Springs fire remains unchanged at 7,788 acres and 69 percent, respectively. The only uncontained line on the fire is in the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness. The Old Roughy fire remains at an estimated 657 acres and 100 percent containment. There are 263 personnel currently assigned to the fire and that number will decline in coming days. Weather over the fire today will be mostly cloudy with temperatures in the mid 50s and relative humidity in the 40 percent range. There is a slight chance of precipitation tonight and early tomorrow as another cold front moves into the area. The higher relative humidity will reduce the chance of fire spread.  U.S. Forest Service closure order remains in effect for the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness and roads leading into the area.

The Rocky Mountain Area Incident Management Type 2 Blue Team would like to thank local fire departments, Graham County Emergency Management and local residents for their support and hospitality for the past two weeks. The generosity and hospitality extended by the local community was greatly appreciated by firefighters and team members. 

Fire Size:
Maple Springs Fire
7,788 acres, 69% contained
Old Roughy Fire
657 acres, 100% contained

Location:  
North of Lake Santeetlah

Started:  
11/04/16 Maple Springs
11/08/16 Old Roughy
Causes to be determined.

Total personnel:
263 responders

Management:  
Rocky Mountain 
Type 2 Blue Team

Burn ban in effect:
www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/nfsnc/alerts-notices/

Air Quality Reports:
http://webcam.srs.fs.fed.us/wildfires/WNC_Fires_AQ_Summary.pdf

Forest Closure Order Map:

www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd524423.pdf.

Location: Maple Springs/Old Roughy Fire, Graham County

For a downloadable, printable PDF version, click here