8/13/2017 Chetco Bar Fire Update

Chetco Bar Fire Daily Update August 13, 2017-- 10:00 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 the Kalmiopsis Wilderness on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. Fire activity continues in the Mt. Billingslea area, with a fire acreage of 5,328 based on the most recent infrared mapping flight. The Chetco Bar Fire is within the 2002 Biscuit Fire and the 1987 Silver Fire footprints. Fuels burning are mainly large downed snags, grass and understory, with some single tree torching. The fire is naturally burning in a mosaic pattern, leaving behind a mixture of unburned fuel islands, moderately burned areas and some high severity burn areas. The fire is being corralled by natural barriers such as streams and rocky outcroppings. Firefighters will engage the fire when appropriate and it is safe to do so. Crews continue wood-chipping operations and contingency line construction outside the Kalmiposis Wilderness boundary. Closures:  The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest (RRSNF) has trail closures in place for the health and safety of public and firefighters. Please visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/rogue-siskiyou/alerts-notices for all forest orders including those that pertain to the Chetco Bar Fire. Know fire risks and plan accordingly. Visitors are reminded to tread lightly and leave no trace. Check with local ranger districts for updated closure information. Public Use Restrictions: Because of heightened fire activity the RRSNF will be moving into Stage 2 Public Use Restrictions beginning 12:01 a.m. on August 14, 2017 in all Wilderness Areas except for the Siskiyou Wilderness, through October 31, 2017 (unless sooner rescinded). With the inclusion of Wilderness Areas in the Stage 2 Restrictions, visitors to those areas will no longer be allowed to build campfires, although the use of propane and liquid-powered commercial stoves will be permitted. Smoking in a wilderness area will only be allowed in an area that is clear of vegetation and measures at least 3 feet in diameter, or while aboard watercraft on waterways. Air quality is expected to be “moderate” today and tomorrow with the exception of Gold Beach, which is expected to be “good.”