Several closures lifted or reduced

Forest Road 1910

The hard work of fire crews to improve containment of the Buckhead Complex fires has enabled fire managers to lift or reduce several closures on the forest. Effective today (August 24) the closures for North Fork Trail, Forest Road 1910 and the Waldo Lake area closure (which included the Pacific Crest Trail) have been lifted and the areas are now open to public access.

Closures that remain in effect:

· Area closure on the Bobby Lake Trail, #3663, from the trailhead at the Waldo Lake Road to the junction of the Pacific Crest Trail

· Alpine Trail from the Tire Mountain Trail to the Westfir Tie Trail

· Forest Service Road 5828

· Forest Service Road 1925

Alpine Trail

The popular Alpine Trail is expected to remain closed for some time. A significant amount of heat in the interior of the fire remains and rolling debris across the trail continues to be reported. Fire managers will continue to assess the situation but will not open the trail until there are no more hazards associated with the fire. Maintenance work will also be necessary before the trail is safe to bike.

Crews mopping up

Fire crews are working on all the fires to strengthen lines, continue mop-up and/or check for hot spots. Even though fire activity is reduced, the fire danger level is still at High and forest visitors are reminded to be extra careful with their campfires.

“The most helpful thing you can do for a fire fighter is to make sure your campfire is out and cold to the touch,” said Dirk Shupe, Incident Commander trainee for the Buckhead Complex.

“We’ve already picked up several escaped campground fires across the Willamette National Forest.”

McKenzie River Reflections