ODOT warns travelers: Expect continued E. Oregon interstate, highway closures due to fast-moving wildfires

PENDLETON, Ore. (KTVZ) -- If you plan to travel across Oregon in the coming days, ODOT strongly advised Tuesday that you "make sure you carefully plan your route. I-84 and many other highways in Eastern Oregon may be closed or unreliable due to wildfires.

"With a long hot summer ahead, other fires and closures throughout the state are likely," the agency said. 

Travelers should be prepared for more I-84 closures and are encouraged not to rely on this route. Many eastern Oregon highways are closed or impacted as well. Travelers are urged to use Tripcheck.com for up-to-date information.

Wildfires are unpredictable, and ODOT said, "We have no estimate on opening times for any fire-impacted highways. Previous plans for a nighttime-only closure of I-84 to remove brush along the highway were upended when the fire quickly reached the highway. Fire crews are actively fighting fire from I-84." 

Travelers should use U.S. Highway 20 to move east or west across Central and Eastern Oregon. If you must travel, consult Tripcheck.com and check conditions for your route. Here are some other tips while traveling in wildfire season:

• Do not follow GPS directions or detour on local or forest roads. These roads are not suitable for interstate traffic. If a highway is closed on tripcheck.com, it is likely that nearby local roads will be closed as well. 
• Expect power outages near wildfires. Treat non-working traffic lights like a four-way stop. Roadside message boards and tripcheck cameras may also be out in these areas. 
• Carry extra supplies including food and water in case your trip is delayed. 
• Driving in smoke is like driving in heavy fog. Slow down but keep a steady pace and stay alert. Slow driving gives you more time to respond to unexpected conditions.  
• Turn on headlights when driving in smoky areas.  
• The best place to wait for a highway to open is at home. Do not travel to the closure points and wait, closures could last for days. 

Fire information can be found on the National Interagency Fire Center's website.