08/17/17 Chetco Bar Fire Update

Chetco Bar Fire Update Aug. 15, 2017

Chetco Bar Fire Daily Update August 15, 2017-- 10:45 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 flank, with an estimated fire acreage of 5,442. 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 rugged terrain and around the snag patches. Good progress is being made as these lines are built 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. 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. As the eclipse approaches and traffic in the area significantly increases, please keep yourself safe by understanding risks, respecting signs and barriers, and taking responsibility for your safety. Check with local ranger districts for updated closure information.  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on August 14, 2017 in all wilderness areas except for the Siskiyou Wilderness, through October 31, 2017 (unless sooner rescinded). 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 “good” to “moderate” today and tomorrow across the area.For a printable update click here   Fire at a Glance: Size: 5,442 acres (approx.) Cause: Lightning Containment: 0% Total personnel: 65 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/