Bemis Fire Update – May 17, 2022
Conway, NH, May 17, 2022 – The Bemis Fire is situated in Crawford Notch State Park, the White Mountain National Forest, and on private lands accessed via NH Route 302. The status of fire growth remained in check at 106 acres Monday evening and again today, Tuesday, May 17th, due to the diligent work of firefighters and the benefits of more rain showers received in the region. Temperatures are expected to reach 60 degrees with gusty winds out of the west with higher humidity up to 50% today. There is a chance of additional scattered showers predicted for the fire area this afternoon. No structures have been impacted by the fire.
The incident is being managed under unified command by the White Mountain National Forest and the New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands-Forest Protection Bureau. Currently 58 firefighters are supporting the effort, with additional resources available if required. The safety of the public and firefighters remains the top priority.
The fire is burning and smoldering in forests consisting of northern hardwoods and conifers with dry leaf and needle litter scattered with burning dead hazardous trees, referred to as snags. Fire crews continue constructing fire lines, improving existing lines and suppressing hot spots. It is burning in steep, rugged terrain, and access is complicated by slippery and rocky conditions. At this time, the fire is 45% contained.
The fire has been split into three divisions for management purposes. Division A is the northern most fire and the largest at approximately 58 acres. Division B is located adjacent to, and south of Bemis Brook, and is approximately 15 acres. Division C is the southernmost fire area and is mapped at approximately 33 acres. Unburned areas separate each division.
"We greatly appreciate the valuable assistance of the Red Cross and generous donations of food and water from Ya Ya’s Restaurant in the town of Carroll, NH, Cabin Fever and Bart’s Deli in Bartlett, NH in support of our firefighters” stated Captain Adrian Reyes with the NH Forest Protection Bureau. “It is wonderful to receive this level of support from area businesses.”
Frankenstein Cliffs, Arethusa Falls Trail, and Ripley Falls Trail, located in Crawford Notch State Park remain closed until further notice. A temporary flight restriction is in place to allow official aviation resources’ safe operation on the fire. The use of drones by members of the public within a temporary flight restriction (TFR) is prohibited. Members of the public are encouraged to be attentive and do their part to prevent human-caused wildfires and respect closure areas. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
NH Division of Forests and Lands Twitter: @NHForestRangers
White Mountain NF Facebook: @WhiteMountainNF
White Mountain NF Twitter: @WhiteMountainNF
Photos courtesy of USFS
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