Maple Springs/Old Roughy Fires Wednesday November 16, 2016 Morning Press Release

Summary:
Containment on the Maple Springs fire increased to 42 percent on Tuesday as firefighters made good progress fortifying containment lines. The increased containment area was mainly on the northeastern perimeter of the fire along Highway 129. The fire is now estimated at 7,705 acres.
  
Containment on the 657 acre Old Roughy fire is now at 90 percent. Crews are patrolling the fire area to seek out any remaining hot spots and ensure it no longer poses a threat.
  
Fire activity was fairly quiet Tuesday on the Maple Springs fire with good smoke dispersal. Similar conditions are expected today, which should provide good flying conditions for aircraft.
  
Today's plan is to use helicopters and water-scooping aircraft to soak the south and western perimeters of the fire where the most heat remains. Crews will be reinforcing existing containment lines around the fire while scouting for potential contingency lines outside the Joyce Kilmer Slickrock Wilderness.
  
Crews are preparing Big Santeetlah Road south of the wilderness area as a possible contingency line while also exploring areas to the west and north to use for fire breaks, helispot bases and access points in the event they are needed on this fire or on future fires in the area
  
Weather over the fire today will be similar today to Tuesday, with temperatures in the upper 60s and relative humidities in the lower 30 percent range. A weather system expected to bring stronger winds over the fire today did not develop and winds will be light out of the northwest. The forecast is calling for warmer, drier conditions Thursday and Friday before a vigorous cold front moves into the area this weekend, bringing stronger winds and much colder temperatures.​

Fire Size:
Maple Springs Fire
7,705 acres
Old Roughy Fire
657 acres

Evacuations:
Call 828-479-7985 for up 
to date information

Containment: 
42% contained  Maple Springs
90% contained Old Roughy  

Location: 
North of Lake Santeetlah
 
Started: 
11/04/16 Maple Springs
11/08/16 Old Roughy
Cause to be determined.
 
Total personnel:
346 responders

Management: 
Rocky Mountain
Type 2 Blue Team

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

Air Quality Reports:
www.homefacts.com/airquality/