8/18/2017 Chetco Bar Update

Chetco Bar Fire Daily Update August 18, 2017-- 10:30 A.M.   Phoenix NIMO, IC Bob Houseman Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest Chetco Bar Fire Information, (541) 247-3680

Community Meeting: A community meeting will be held in Brookings at Azalea Middle School, 505 Pacific Ave. Sunday August 20th between 3:00 - 4:00 pm. Current Situation: The Chetco Fire crossed the Chetco River and grew to the southwest. As a result of the fire’s movement, more resources arrived on scene today including engines, crews and overhead. More fire resources are in route and expected in the coming days. With strong north winds and lower relative humidity the fire moved to the south and is established in the Quail Prairie drainage. An infrared flight estimates the fire at 10,963 acres. Expect to see an increase in smoke visibility in the coming days in the Brookings and Harbor area as a result of fire growth. Air quality may fluctuate between “moderate” and “unhealthy for sensitive groups” in Brookings. For more information about air quality, please visit the Oregon Smoke Blog: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/ Closures: A new area closure has gone into effect in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness in addition to the closures in place. Before you head out into the woods this weekend pleases check Inciweb or the Rouge River Siskiyou National Forest (RRSNF) homepage for all forest closure orders including those that pertain to the Chetco Bar Fire. Drones: While there has been no drone activity over the Chetco Bar Fire, please remember that drones interfere with firefighting efforts. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the Chetco Bar Fire. Any private aircraft or drone that violates the TFR could face serious criminal charges. Even without a TFR, anyone who hampers firefighting efforts could face criminal charges as well. For more information on drone use, visit the FAA's website www.KnowBeforeYouFly.org. Remember, "If you fly, we can't!" 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. For a downloadable update click here 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/ Fire at a Glance:  Size: 10,963 acres (approx.) Cause: Lightning Containment:  0% Total personnel: 100