8/20/2017 Chetco Bar AM Update

Chetco Bar Fire Daily Update August 20, 2017-- 8:30 a.m.   Phoenix NIMO, IC Bob Houseman Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest Chetco Bar Fire Information: (541) 247-3680 Additional Lines: (541) 414-4489 & (541) 316-5816

Community Meeting: Azalea Middle School, 505 Pacific Ave, Brookings on Sunday, Aug. 20, 3 p.m. Evacuations: The Sheriff’s Office has issued a mandatory evacuation (Level 3) order that encompasses Gardner Ridge Road to the Wilson Creek area, and along the Chetco River from Gardner Ridge Road to the Wilderness Retreat area. A Level 2 notice (Be Ready) has been issued from Tide Rock to Cameron Bridge and from Shady to Mt. Emily road. The Sheriff’s Office will be evaluating the need for additional evacuation orders as necessary to protect public safety.  Evacuation Map Current Situation: Strong north winds overnight continued to push the fire to the south. The south perimeter of the fire is in the vicinity of Little Redwood Campground and Panda Ridge. Overnight, structure protection and a burnout operation was successful in protecting the Wilderness Retreat area. Incoming structure protection equipment will focus their work around homes. Unstable atmospheric conditions will continue for most of the day with winds easing somewhat this afternoon. An infrared flight estimated the size at 31,000 acres. 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. Fire at a Glance: Size: 31,000 acres (approx.) Cause: Lightning Containment: 0% Total personnel: 280 Social Media Resources: Twitter: @RRSNF #ChetcoBarFire Facebook: /https://www.facebook.com/R6RRSNF/ Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5385/ E-mail: chetcobarfireinfo@gmail.com Air Quality Report: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/