Brookings city officials have been closely monitoring the progression of the Chetco Bar.
“We have literally been working shoulder-to-shoulder with Sheriff John Ward and the federal incident management team who have been directing the fire response and evacuation,” City Manager Gary Milliman said today.
“There has been no evacuation order or advisory issued within the City of Brookings at this time, with the exception of the community college and the undeveloped property known as Lone Ranch” Milliman said. “We continue to assess the situation.”
“Meanwhile, we have been providing logistical support by activating the Emergency Operating Center (EOC) and assisting with staffing,” Milliman continued. “City fire crews have assisted on the fire line, police officers have assisted with evacuation notices, and public works employees have performed traffic control assignments.”
Milliman said that preparations have also been underway in the City to assure that City infrastructure will be able to support firefighters if needed. “Our public works crew has been checking all fire hydrants, we are keeping water storage at maximum capacity, emergency generators have been fueled and other preparatory activity is underway.”
Brookings residents are requested to conserve water effective immediately, Milliman said.
“We need to conserve water for use in fire protection,” Milliman said.
Milliman urged citizens to take the following immediate steps to conserve water:
- Turn off landscape irrigation systems.
- Do not wash-down driveways and other paved areas.
- Take only short showers and do not use bathtubs.
- Flush toilets only when necessary.
- Curtail use of hoses.
“We are keeping as much water in reserve as we can for possible use in firefighting,” Milliman said. “We are calling upon the public to help in this effort.”
“Many of our neighbors in the unincorporated area have evacuated the area, and some have lost their homes,” Milliman noted. “We need to support those who have been impacted as best we can while preparing for the safety of our own families. This would also be a good time for Brookings residents to check their emergency supply kits and stay in close contact with family and neighbors.
For the latest information about the fire, Brookings residents should call (541) 469-1177. “Please do not call 9-1-1 or the Police Dispatch Center unless you have an emergency,” Milliman said. A separate call center has been established to respond to inquiries about the fire.”