Wild River Fire Spreads to 1,000 Acres in White Mountain National Forest
A historic wildfire burning in a remote section of New Hampshire has expanded to roughly 1,000 acres, leaving emergency crews battling rugged terrain and steep ridges with minimal containment. WGME reported that the blaze is currently sitting at 11 percent containment, drawing a response of more than 50 personnel and two helicopters deployed to tackle the flames.
Spanning an area just a mile into the national forest west of the Maine-New Hampshire border and south of U.S. Route 2, the fire stands as the largest recorded in the White Mountain National Forest since the forest was incorporated, according to U.S. Forest Service spokesperson Jessie Dubuque (via NHPR). Dry leaf litter, deadfall wood, and combustible spruce and fir have fueled the rapid spread amid persistent regional drought conditions.
Helicopters Deploy Water as Damaged Roads Block Crews
Firefighting operations have faced significant logistical hurdles due to local geography and infrastructure damage. A forest service road heavily damaged three years ago continues to impede direct vehicle access to the area, forcing crews to cross the Wild River on foot.
To bypass these barriers, helicopters have been deployed to drop water on key areas inaccessible to ground personnel. A drone is also assisting the operation alongside the two rotorcraft and ground crews.
The U.S. Forest Service is actively preparing a closure order for the Wild River Fire vicinity to keep unauthorized traffic clear of emergency routes. Officials ask the public to avoid traveling to the area and to refrain from flying personal drones near the fire zone.
“Maintaining both public and firefighter safety are priority throughout all fire management actions. A closure order is being prepared for the Wild River Fire vicinity. Please avoid traveling to the Wild River Fire area in advance of the closure order to help maintain access for emergency vehicles and fire operations.”
the U.S. Forest Service provided updates on the Wild River Fire.
Officials Report No Immediate Danger to Private Infrastructure
While smoke has drifted into neighboring communities, local officials report no immediate danger to private infrastructure. Gorham Fire Chief Philip Cloutier noted that while town residents experienced haze and a faint smell of smoke, his local department has not been tapped to assist in the federally managed response.
Drivers encountering smoke on nearby roadways are advised by authorities to reduce their speed and turn on their headlights. First reported on Sunday afternoon, the cause of the fire remains under investigation by the U.S. Forest Service, though officials currently believe the ignition was human-caused.
NEW – #WildRiver #NHWMF https://t.co/p5wl8UrshN Wild River : The Wild River Fire on the Androscoggin Ranger District of the White Mountain National Forest is currently 982 acres and 11% contained. The fire is burning primarily in hardwood leaf litter and is located north of t…
