Fire restrictions cause closures

Closures include a large section of the Aufderheide Scenic Byway (FS Road 19)

Wildfires and extreme fire danger have prompted new fire restrictions and closures on the Willamette National Forest.

A campfire ban will go into effect across the Willamette National Forest on Saturday, August 12, due to increased fire danger. This temporary ban prohibits all campfires, even in developed sites and in campfire rings. The use of chainsaws and generators is banned and smoking is also prohibited, except in vehicles, trailers, and developed recreation sites. Campers can still cook with portable cooking stoves that use pressurized, liquid gas (those that turn off with a switch).

There are currently two large wildfires on the Willamette National Forest, the Whitewater Fire and the Rebel Fire that have caused closures to some campgrounds and trails across the Forest. Forest visitors who had campground reservations should receive an email with information about the cancellations and refunds. The current list of closures is below.

Fire crews are responding to multiple new lightning fires on the Willamette National Forest. Fires range in size from less than an acre up to approximately 20 acres. The new lightning-ignited fires are scattered across the higher elevation portions of the forest.

Since closures can change due to wildfire activity, forest visitors should check http://www.fs.usda.gov/willamette (click “Fire Information”) or call the Information Hotline at       (541) 225-6350 before heading to the woods.

“With current extreme fire conditions, a small spark can quickly become a large wildfire,” said Holly Jewkes, Deputy Forest Supervisor for the Willamette National Forest. “We do not make this decision lightly but we’re doing all we can to protect public and firefighter safety.”

For more information, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/willamette, contact our Information Hotline at (541)225-6350, or follow us Facebook and Twitter.

Scenic Byway Road Closed: A section of Aufderheide Scenic Byway (Forest Service Road 19) from Delta Campground south to Kiahanie Campground.

Closed Trails on the McKenzie or Middle Fork Ranger Districts: Bear Flat #3301, Crossing Way #3507, East Fork #3308, Echo #3309, French Pete #3311, Roaring River Ridge #3312, Frissell Crossing #3320, O’Leary Mountain #3321, Rebel Creek #3323, Rebel Rock #3324, Saddle #3326, South Fork #3327, Lowder Mountain #3329, Walker Creek #3330, Wildcat #3331, Quaking Aspen #3332, Portion of Castle Rock #3506, Elk Creek #3510, Horse Creek #3514, McBee #3523, Olallie #3529, Park #3530, Olallie Mountain #4100, Horesepature Mountain #4347

Hot Springs Closed: Terwilliger (a.k.a Cougar Hot Springs)

Campgrounds: Slide Creek, Frissell Crossing, Sunnyside, Echo – Day Use Site, Roaring River Group Site, Red Diamond Group Site, Hard Rock Group Site, French Pete, and Cougar Crossing.

Boat Ramps Closed: Cougar Crossing, Slide Creek and Echo.