Chetco Bar Fire estimated over 176,000 acres

CURRY COUNTY, Ore. — The Chetco Bar Fire burned over 176,000 acres since it was first reported back in July.

Currently, there are 1,599 firefighters working to contain the fire that stands at 10 percent containment.

A red flag warning is in effect for Wednesday for lighting in areas with dry vegetation. Despite the 15 percent chance of rain is expected for Wednesday, fire crews say it is still not enough to extinguish the Chetco Bar Fire.

On Tuesday, firefighters took advantaged of the cooler temperatures and increased humidity that slowed the fire down from spreading. Improved viability helped helicopters perform more bucket drops in the western flank while crews secured spots from Monday's fire runs and continued northern line prep toward Snowcamp. Crews also completed structure preparation in the Oak Flats in Josephine County.

On Wednesday, firefighters will continue building lines, connecting dozer lines and roads into the Pistol River. Crews will continue to provide structure protection, patrolling for spot fires, and maintaining hoselays. Dozers will also be used to reconnect containment lines previously used in the Biscuit Fire.

If weather permits firefighters will strengthen containment lines by using fire to consume vegetation between the main fire and containment lines in the Winchuck drainage. Crews stress that this decision will only be implemented with consideration of the resources available, predicted and current weather conditions, terrain, type and moisture level of vegetation.

Cal Fire has begun building contingency lines to the south in California.

A Northwest Incident Management Team 13 will take over the east side of the fire on Wednesday night.

COMMUNITY MEETING

A community meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. (September 6th) at Brookings-Harbor High School located on 625 Pioneer Rd.

EVACUATIONS/SHELTERS

In Josephine County, a level 3 (GO!) evacuation is in place for all residents on Illinois River Rd within the Forest Service boundaries, including the Oak Flat community. In Curry County, a level 3 is in place for Carpenterville Rd, north of the Cape Ferrelo Rd intersection to Carpenterville Road and Bosley Butte Road intersection.

A level 1 (BE READY) is in place for residents of the Illinois Valley west of Highway 199 from Hayes to the California state line.

Residents are asked to monitor the evacuation map for changes:

The Red Cross has moved the evacuation center to the Curry County Fairgrounds showcase building 29392 Ellensburg Avenue will be relocating to Nazarene Church 1600 Chetco Ave in Brookings, OR (541)-600-6068. A second has been set up by the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation is also operating a shelter at The Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Village & Resort (old Ship Ashore) RV Park located at 12370 Highway 101 North in Smith River.

CLOSURES

Several large wildfires are burning in southwest Oregon. Area closures have been implemented on the Rogue River – Siskyou National Forest and BLM lands. Fire restrictions are in place: http://bit.ly/2erUN5B.

This story will be updated throughout the day with additional information as it becomes available.