Fire crews are still busy

Highway 242 remains closed to all traffic between the junction with Highway 126 and the Dee Wright Observatory (Milepost 55 to 75). Travel there has been impacted by the 1,309-acre Linton Creek and 62-acre 374 fires, both of which are 0 percent contained. Officials report that both showed scattered heat but were adjacent to natural barriers and previous fire scars.

This week, the 1,312-acre Pyramid Fire, east of Middle Santiam Wilderness, has been 100% contained. Seven miles northeast of Blue River, firefighters have also fully contained the 3,484-acre Ore Fire. Crews there are focusing on suppression repair within the fire area and backhauling firefighting equipment and hose.

The 523-acre Boulder Fire, about five miles east of McKenzie Bridge along Hwy. 126, is now 34% contained. Work there includes gridding and mopping up to extinguish hot spots in the interior of the fire. Crews are continuing to masticate and chip vegetative materials along containment lines. Fire activity could be minimal, with creeping, smoldering, and the consumption of interior heavy fuels expected.

This week, a closure order for the Pyramid Fire was signed, reducing the closed area and allowing additional recreation and hunting opportunities within the Middle Santiam Wilderness. Forest officials are continually evaluating closure orders and will adjust as conditions allow. Other fire-related closures remain in place in the McKenzie River Ranger District and the Middle Fork Ranger District in the immediate fire operations area for public and firefighter safety. Please respect and avoid all closed areas of the national forest.

More information is available at tinyurl.com/3ppya43k

For current road conditions, please check the Oregon Department of Transportation’s website: tripcheck.com