Notice of Emergency Closure of Public Lands in Curry County

Organization:

BLM

BLM Office:

Media Contact:

Megan Harper

Brookings, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Coos Bay District is issuing a temporary emergency closure of public lands in Curry County, Oregon. This closure affects public lands within and adjacent to the Chetco Bar Fire, currently burning on approximately 4,000 acres of BLM administered lands.

This emergency closure is necessary to ensure public safety, land health, and resource integrity during firefighting activities. The fire is not contained or controlled, and ongoing suppression and restoration activities preclude safe public access. The areas affected by this closure order will be posted with appropriate regulation signs at main access and entry points.

This closure affects public lands inside the established perimeter of the Chetco Bar road and area closure and is specific to BLM lands and routes only. The area will be closed to motorized and non-motorized transportation, including foot traffic. This closure will be in effect immediately and will remain in effect until the Chetco Bar Fire is declared controlled.

The Chetco Bar Fire was reported on July 12, 2017, and is 102, 333 acres. There is no containment at this time, but 1,398 personnel are working to control the fire. The fire is approximately five miles northeast of Brookings, Oregon.

The Chetco Bar Fire is operating under unified command with the Oregon State Fire Marshall, U.S. Forest Service, Oregon Department of Forestry and Coos Forest Protection Association.

A copy of the closure order and maps can be found at www.blm.gov/news/oregon-washington

Additional information on the Chetco Bar Fire is available at: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5385/


The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.