09-27-17 Chetco Bar Fire Update

Today Along the perimeter and interior of the Chetco Bar Fire, firefighters are continuing to patrol, monitor, and mop-up hotspots and extinguishing remaining heat. Warmer and drier weather today and tomorrow will aid suppression efforts by increasing visibility of hotspots, helping crews to locate and extinguish these smokes. Crews will continue to repair hand and dozer lines, inserting waterbars to minimize erosion potential.

In a reconnaissance flight yesterday, the Indigo Fire showed no heat and areas of repair work continue along the indirect lines.

Firefighters, equipment, and support personnel continue to be released as incident objectives are achieved.

Closures and Safety 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 residual fire activity, heavy equipment in transit, and hazards presented by fire-weakened trees.

Managers are assessing progress by firefighters, conditions on the ground, and other factors in order to reduce the scope of closures. Patience is requested and appreciated. For public and firefighter safety, please adhere to closures, whether staffed with road guards or unstaffed. For further information, please call (541) 618-2200 or visit www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/rogue-siskiyou/alerts-notices.

Weather and Fire Behavior Expect sunny skies with temperatures of 75-85 degrees, similar conditions Thursday, with a cold front approaching by Friday. Minimal fire activity will include a few visible smokes and isolated and creeping hotspots. The continued warm weather will support firefighting efforts 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, hosted by the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest Service, including a fire history and update, at the Brookings Harbor High School (525 Pioneer Road, Brookings, OR) on Thursday, September 28, at 6:00 p.m.