Maple Springs/Old Roughy Morning Release 11/14/16

There was no increase in size for either the Maple Springs or Old Roughy fires yesterday. The Maple Springs fire remains at 7,177 acres and 15 percent containment while the Old Roughy fire is holding at 657 acres and 60 percent containment.

Fire managers continue to focus efforts on opening sections of Highway 129 that were closed due to falling trees. Firefighters are working to stabilize those areas and remove trees that could pose a threat along the highway. Likewise, fire managers are working diligently to lift evacuation orders that were issued on Nov. 9 for residential areas along Lindy and Gold Mine roads.

Firefighters are mopping up, patrolling and improving containment lines on both fires. Some hot spots remain in heavy fuels, such as stumps, logs and deep duff. Firefighters are seeking out those spots to extinguish them.

The most intense heat on the Maple Springs fire remains on the south and west corner of the fire in the Joyce Kilmer Slickrock Wilderenss. If weather and smoke conditions allow, fire managers will use helicopters and water-scooping aircraft to drop water on that section of the fire.

Weather conditions will be slightly warmer and drier today over the fire area, with temperatures in the high 50s and low 60s. Winds will be light, making for poor to fair smoke dispersal. Fuel conditions remain dry and there is no rain in the forecast.

If they haven’t already, local residents are encouraged to take steps to protect their homes against potential wildfires to assist firefighters in protecting their homes. Some things residents can do to create defensible space around their homes are raking up leaves, removing brush and trees within 30 feet of structures, moving firewood away from structures and cleaning leaves out of gutters. www.firewise.org

While firefighters appreciate the abundance of food and monetary donations that have come from residents in Graham County during the past week, the need for such donations has diminished. Residents are asked that future donations be directed to local non-profit agencies or the Wildland Fallen Firefighter Foundation at https://wffoundation.org.