Chetco Bar Fire expands to over 117,000 acres

BROOKINGS – The City of Brookings is not out of the woods yet with the Chetco Bar Fire which has jumped to over 117,000 acres.

The weather had been cooperating and there was very little growth over the weekend. Monday however, that changed as hot, very dry and unstable conditions drove the fire to extreme torching, spotting and short crown runs in the north, south and eastern perimeters.

Firefighters have been able to stop its infringement on the city but heavy and unhealthy smoke levels are present up and down the Highway 101 corridor and also east on Highway 199 in the Rogue Valley.

Over the next 12 hours, fire officials are forecasting a high potential for very active to extreme fire behavior well into the night and early am.

Some good news… current level 3 evacuation zones have been reduced to level 2. All residents attempting to return to their homes or businesses must provide Curry County Sheriff’s personnel with proper picture ID.

Re-entry materials can be picked up at Ray’s Market, 906 Chetco Avenue in Brookings.