Update Sunday October 8; Trails, Lost River Gorge Closed
Firefighter hand crew establishing fire line on the Dilly Fire. Photo by Officer Diron Thompkins, Law Enforcement Officer on the White Mountain National Forest
Press Release from the White Mountain National Forest
DILLY FIRE UPDATE October 8, 2017
Rain again yesterday allowed firefighters to continue making good progress on the fire. Work included mop-up operations where possible. However, fire managers again stressed that since fuels and difficult terrain make it impossible to safely mop-up the entire fire, smoldering will continue until heavy rain or snow arrive. Crews were also able to complete lines around two spot fires burning outside the main fire perimeter. Structure protection resources and helicopters have been released from the fire at this time. The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) around the fire area has been lifted. The fire remains at 70 acres.
Firefighter and public safety remain the highest priority. Holiday weekend travelers should remain aware of emergency fire traffic on State Highway 112 in the Kinsman Notch and Lost River areas. While the rain does decrease fire behavior, it poses new risks for firefighters working on the steep terrain. These include slippery conditions and hypothermia. Fire mangers must weight these and other risks when determining how best to manage the fire.
An emergency closure order issued by the US Forest Service remains in effect for portions of the Kinsman Ridge Trail (Appalachian Trail) and surrounding areas. Hikers seeking to visit the area are encouraged to consult the White Mountain National Forest website for updates before their hike at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/whitemountain/alerts-notices/?aid=43881.
Fire information is available on the White Mountain National Forest’s, Facebook page: https://facebook.com/WhiteMountainNF.
Previous WMNF Updates
Campton, NH, October 6, 2017: Firefighters continue to establish and improve containment lines around the Dilly Fire in North Woodstock, NH. Despite rain this morning, fire behavior remains active. Hand crews are also fighting numerous spot fires resulting from yesterday’s afternoon winds.
Due to the size and increased complexity, the State of New Hampshire Division of Forest and Lands and the White Mountain National Forest transferred management of the fire to a Type III Incident Command Team early this morning. This team has a higher level of experience with complex fires, ensuring firefighter and public safety, which remains the first priority.
“This continues to be a cooperative effort with federal, state, and local partners. We know the costs to some of our partners such as White Mountains Attractions and the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests during this busy tourist season. We are grateful for the mutual commitment to public and firefighter safety, and getting this fire contained,” stated Joseph Koloski, Acting Deputy Forest Supervisor on the White Mountain National Forest.
A temporary flight restriction is in place five miles around the Dilly Fire and up to 5,000 feet. No aircraft except those associated with the fire effort are allowed in the area. Please leave drones at home.
The fire is still approximately 70 acres. Flames and smoke can still be seen. Travelers along Highway 112 are reminded to use caution due to potential impacts from smoke and increased firefighter traffic. “We encourage visitors to get out and enjoy the fall foliage across the Forest,” said Tiffany Benna, Public Affairs Officer for the White Mountain NF, “but prefer visitors view the fire on our Facebook page.” (https://facebook.com/WhiteMountainNF)
The emergency closure order issued by the US Forest Service remains in effect for portions of the Kinsman Ridge Trail (Appalachian Trail) and surrounding areas. Hikers seeking to visit the area are encouraged to consult the White Mountain National Forest website for updates before their hike at: https://fs.usda.gov/alerts/whitemountain/alerts-notices/?aid=43881.
The cause of the Dilly Fire remains under investigation.
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CONTACT:
Tiffany Benna
Public Services Staff Officer
PAO, Freedom of Information Coordinator
Forest Service
White Mountain National Forest
p: 603-536-6241
c: 603-348-0078
f: 603-536-3673
tbenna@fs.fed.us
71 White Mountain Drive
Campton, NH 03223
www.fs.fed.us
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