8/16/2017 Chetco Bar Fire Update

Chetco Bar Fire Daily Update August 16, 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 and rugged terrain that has areas of abundant dead trees (known as snags). The fire is within the Kalmiopsis Wilderness on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. There has been some increased fire activity on the northwestern and northeastern flank, with an estimated fire acreage of 6,016. The operations team is focusing its suppression strategy on constructing contingency lines outside of the wilderness area. Safety is the top priority as crews build lines in the steep and rugged terrain. Good progress is being made as these lines are constructed along existing roads, trail systems and natural barriers such as rivers and creeks. Dozers and masticators, along with hand crews, are removing understory fuels, snags and vegetation along the roadways and natural barriers. Gusty north to northwest winds are predicted over the fire area with a potential for an increase in fire activity and smoke visibility.  Air quality is expected to be “good” to “moderate” today and tomorrow across the area. 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on August 14, 2017 in all wilderness areas except for the Siskiyou Wilderness, through October 31, 2017 (unless sooner rescinded).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. 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. Avoid parking or driving on dry grass as your vehicle can spark a wildfire.