08/17/2017 Chetco Bar Update

Chetco Bar Fire Daily Update August 17, 2017-- 9:30 a.m.   Phoenix NIMO, IC Bob Houseman Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest Chetco Bar Fire Information, (541) 247-3680

Current Situation: The Chetco Bar Fire is located in steep, rugged terrain within the Kalmiopsis Wilderness on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. Public and firefighter safety is the top priority for the suppression of this remote fire. Wind speeds sharply increased yesterday from the north as they brought drier and hotter temperatures to the area. This increased estimated fire acreage to 6,500 acres. The north winds pushed the west side of the fire across the Chetco River, southwest to the vicinity of Lately Prairie and Boulder Creek. Completion of the contingency lines is expected by Friday. Crews have built these lines to create fuel breaks, mostly along existing roads, trails and natural features to minimize impact while maximizing the lines’ value to firefighting operations. These lines all are outside the wilderness boundary, beginning near Vulcan Lake trailhead, swinging along Pollywog Butte to Quail Prairie Mountain, then heading northwest toward Mineral Hill/Snow Camp trailhead. Air quality in the area is “good” to “moderate” except for Brookings. The rating today for Brookings is “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups,” impacting those with asthma and COPD, as well as infants and the elderly. Closures: The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest (RRSNF) has trail closures in place for the health and safety of public and firefighters. Please visit RRSNF homepage for all forest closure orders including those that pertain to the Chetco Bar Fire. Public Use Restrictions: Because of heightened fire activity the RRSNF moved into Stage 2 Public Use Restrictions on August 14, 2017 in all wilderness areas except for the Siskiyou Wilderness, through October 31, 2017 (unless sooner rescinded). Safety Message: As the eclipse approaches and traffic in the area significantly increases, please keep yourself and others safe. Expect large crowds. Most lodging is booked and options for camping are very limited. August is peak wildfire season in the Pacific Northwest. A small spark can rapidly become a large fire. Know fire risks and respect fire restrictions, such as campfire bans. Fire at a Glance: Size: 6,500 acres (approx.)   Cause: Lightning Containment: 0% Total personnel: 72 Social Media Resources: Twitter: @RRSNF #ChetcoBarFire Facebook: /https://www.facebook.com/R6RRSNF/ Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5385/ E-mail: chetcobarfireinfo@gmail.com Smoke: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/

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