By Donna Westfall – August 18, 2017 –

The air quality in Del Norte County is horrible today due to fires in Curry County. First there was the fire in Gold Beach near the fairgrounds and fanned by 30 mph winds.  Then there is the fire called Chetco Bar Fire which has evacuation orders called “The Level 3 (GO!)” to alert residents to evacuate within 24 hours as danger is imminent. Evacuation orders are in place for the wilderness area along the river above Loeb State Park, as well as Gardiner Ridge up to Hazel Camp, Loeb State Park, Cate Road, and the Wilson Creek area.

From the Forest Service, “You should evacuate as soon as possible but no later than 12 p.m. (noon) on Saturday, August. 19th.”

Displaced residents may relocate to the evacuation shelter at the Brookings-Harbor High School (625 Pioneer Rd, Brookings, 97415). The American Red Cross is staffing this shelter. Travelers in campers and motels are asked to relocate elsewhere along the Oregonian coast. Residents should make arrangements to move property and livestock. People with special health needs or other concerns should relocate during the warning.

The Sheriff’s Department is turning back public traffic along the North Bank Chetco River Road at the Loeb State Park. Only residents will be allowed to proceed past that checkpoint. Due to the imminent risk to public safety, there will be no exceptions to this policy. We strongly advise travelers to avoid this area so the appropriate law enforcement and wildland firefighter resources can respond to this emergency.