Ochoco National Forest will reduce closure areas for Rowe Creek Complex and Shingle Fire

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) --- Officials with the Ochoco National Forest will reduce closure areas for the Rowe Creek Complex and Shingle Fire beginning Friday, Sept. 4, reopening additional public lands as hazards are mitigated.

Portions of both burned areas will remain closed and officials advise visitors and hunters to stay clear for their safety and to allow ongoing firefighting operations to proceed.

The closures follow seven weeks after a July 15 lightning storm ignited more than 35 wildfires across the Ochoco National Forest, Crooked River National Grassland and surrounding lands. Fire crews continue securing firelines, removing hazards and establishing safe access to impacted recreation sites, grazing allotments and private lands.

Burned Area Emergency Response teams began assessments earlier this month on the Coyote, Henry, Shingle, Akawa and Round Butte fires. BAER evaluations on the Rowe Creek Complex are scheduled to begin in early September. The assessments will guide stabilization efforts, including erosion mitigation, hazard tree removal and the protection of natural and cultural resources.

Jeff Marszal, forest supervisor for the Ochoco National Forest, acknowledged the widespread impact of the wildfires across the region. “These fires have changed familiar places across the Forest and Grassland and we know those changes are deeply felt,” Marszal said. “Even as firefighters continue suppression work, our BAER and restoration teams are laying the groundwork for recovery. We appreciate the strength and patience of our communities as we work together to restore access and support the land.”

Central Oregon remains in a drought status. Although precipitation is expected this week, officials stated it will not be a fire-season-ending event, as dry fuels will continue to burn despite cooler temperatures and scattered moisture. Stacy Long, public affairs officer for the Forest Service, noted that human-caused fires account for only a small portion of the total acreage burned this season.

Forest Service staff will continue evaluating closure boundaries daily and plan to reopen additional areas as soon as conditions are safe.