Bemis Fire Media Advisory – May 16, 2022

Conway, NH, May 16, 2022 – The Bemis Fire's growth was minimized overnight due to isolated rains, with more showers predicted for this afternoon. Still, an upcoming drying trend expected later this week may provide the potential for more active fire behavior and growth in the coming days. The fire is situated in Crawford Notch State Park, the White Mountain National Forest, and on private lands.

The incident is under unified command managed by participating agencies, the White Mountain National Forest and the State of New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands-Forest Protection Bureau. Approximately 40 firefighters are supporting the effort, with additional resources ordered for tomorrow. Public and firefighter safety remain the top priorities.

Additional fire reconnaissance updates have adjusted the Bemis Fire size to 106 acres, comprised of three smaller fires that have not burned together (58, 15, and 32 acres, respectively). The fire is burning and smoldering in timber composed primarily of conifers and dry leaf litter with scattered burning snags. Sunday's isolated showers provided a wetting rain on the ground, but the duff layer remains dry underneath, enabling the fire to burn deeper.

Today, fire crews continue constructing fire lines and assessing overall growth and monopolizing upon additional containment opportunities. At this time, the fire is 25% contained. It is burning in steep, rugged terrain, and access is complicated by slippery and rocky conditions. The forecast for the area includes potential thunderstorms and lighting later today. "We appreciate the valuable assistance provided by our federal and state partners as well as the beneficial efforts of local fire departments during the initial attack," said Steven Sherman, Chief of the NH Forest Protection Bureau. "This cooperative effort from all of our partners working in Unified Command has been essential to safe and efficient operations to suppress the fire."

Members of the public are encouraged to be attentive and do their part to prevent human-caused wildfires and respect closure areas. The Frankenstein Cliffs, Arethusa Falls Trail, and Ripley Falls Trail, located in Crawford Notch State Park, are closed until further notice. A temporary flight restriction is in place to allow official aviation resources' safe operation. The use of drones by members of the public within a temporary flight restriction (TFR) is prohibited. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

NH Division of Forests and Lands Twitter: @NHForestRangers
White Mountain NF Facebook: @WhiteMountainNF
White Mountain NF Twitter: @WhiteMountainNF

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