8/19/2017 Chetco Bar Fire Update

         
Chetco Bar Fire
Daily Update
August 19, 2017-- 9:00 A.M.
 

Phoenix NIMO, IC Bob Houseman
Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
Chetco Bar Fire Information, (541) 247-3680

 

 
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/

 

 
Community Meeting:
Azalea Middle School, 505 Pacific Ave, Brookings on Sunday, Aug. 20, 3 p.m.

Evacuations:
The Sheriff’s Department has issued a mandatory evacuation order that encompasses Gardiner Ridge Road up to the Hazel Camp area, Cate Road, the Wilson Creek area, and along the Chetco River from Loeb State Park to the Wilderness Retreat area.
 

Current Situation:
The Chetco Bar Fire continued its spread to the south, with the fire subsiding somewhat overnight. The southwest perimeter of the fire is in the vicinity of Packer Cabin and Quail Prairie drainage. Last night’s infrared flight estimated the fire at 22,042 acres. Resources and staff from other fires are rapidly arriving in the area. The fire suppression strategy remains the same, to engage the fire in the most effective manner with both point protection and indirect methods. Unstable atmospheric conditions will continue to affect today’s efforts as firefighters keep the safety a high priority. There will be significant smoke this weekend in the Brookings and Harbor area as a result of the fire. Air quality will 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:
An area closure is in effect in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness in addition to the trail 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 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 fire. Any private aircraft or drone that violates the TFR could face serious criminal charges. 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. Tread lightly and leave no trace. Leave your site better than you found it.