8/21/2014 South Fork Fire - Evacuation and Closure Update

Evacuation Levels Lifted and Closure Area Reduced

Effective 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 22, 2014

Due to decreased fire activity in and around the South Fork Complex, the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Grant County Sheriff's Office are reducing closure areas and evacuation levels.   These agencies recognize that access for hunting, recreation and other activities is important.  However, the public is advised to travel slowly through these areas and be aware of the possibility of falling trees weakened from fire, rolling rocks and fire traffic. 

 ·       Ochoco National Forest:  All closure orders will be rescinded. 

 ·       Malheur National Forest:  The following area will be open:  County Road 42;  Forest Road 24;Forest Road 2180 from its intersection with Forest Road 24 continuing N/NW to the intersection with Forest Road 21.  Lands east of Forest Road 21 north to the forest boundary (this portion of FR 21 is closed).  The portion of FR21 from its intersection with FR2180 east to its terminus with county road 63 is open. 

 ·      BLM Prineville District Lands: The following closures have been enacted:  Jackass Creek Road, Murders Creek Road, Oliver Creek Road.

 ·      Grant County Sheriff's Office:   The level 1 evacuation will be lifted for the area bounded by the 2150 road on the south, the 21 road on the east, Highway 26 on the north and on the west by a line running due north from the Aldrich Lookout to Highway 26.

Howard Hunter

Public Information Officer

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