9/25/2017 Chetco Bar Fire Update

With significant progress made on both the Chetco Bar and Indigo fires, personnel and equipment are being gradually released as the incident continues to be “right-sized” for current and expected fire activity and weather conditions.
 
Today Firefighters continue to secure and mop up areas where pockets of heat remain while also backhauling equipment and repairing areas impacted by months of firefighting efforts.
 
Isolated smokes persist within the fire interior and in difficult to access areas in the Meadow Creek, East Fork Pistol River, Emily Creek, and Illinois River drainages.  Firefighters continue to work areas where – under certain conditions – the fire could potentially flare up and threaten containment, however, some areas may continue to smolder until the fire receives significant, season-ending rain.

Safety Hazard trees present a high risk to firefighters working within the fire perimeter and are a consideration when forest managers determine the necessity of forest closures. Drivers are encouraged to anticipate fire traffic on area roadways.
 
Closures Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and Bureau of Land Management Coos Bay District road and area closures remain in effect for all public lands adjacent to the Chetco Bar Fire area due to fire activity, equipment, and hazardous trees.  
 
For public and firefighter safety, please mind road guards and adhere to all posted signs. For further information, please call (541) 618-2200 or visit www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/rogue-siskiyou/alerts-notices. No evacuation orders are in effect for Curry or Josephine Counties.

Weather and Fire Behavior A warming and drying trend is expected through mid-week, with hotter and drier weather peaking on Thursday. Some moderate activity from smoldering stump holes, snags and heavy fuels is expected. However, the continued warm weather will support suppression repair and recovery operations by making areas of heat easier to identify and extinguish.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) are in effect over the Chetco Bar Fire area. Before flying near the area, pilots are encouraged to check for the most current update at tfr.faa.gov.
 
Community Meeting There will be a public meeting, including a fire overview and update, at the Winchuck Fire Station (363 Winchuck River Road, Brookings, OR) on Tuesday, September 26, at 6:00 p.m.