Area closure announced around Terwilliger Fire
(Update: Area closure, campground, trail closures announced)
A fire burning in dense forest near Terwilliger Hot Springs at Cougar Reservoir on the Willamette National Forest has grown to 125 acres and is still at zero containment, officials said Tuesday as they announced an area closure around the fire, as well as a list of closed campgrounds and trails.
Fire officials said they are implementing an area closure order for the Terwilliger Fire for public and firefighter safety due to a combination of high fire danger, exceptionally dry conditions and unpredictable fire behavior. The area closure includes a section of Forest Service Road 19 (Aufederheide Scenic Highway) and recreation sites.
“We understand this is a disappointment to residents and visitors who patiently waited for the road to reopen after the December 2017 landslide, but unfortunately, the risk is too great,” said Forest Supervisor Tracy Beck. “Our highest responsibility must be visitor and firefighter safety.”
The size of the closure allows for safe access and work by firefighters, and reflects the rapid growth that fire managers have witnessed since the fire was initially reported on August 19. Given the weather forecast and already dry forest conditions, the fire could continue to grow and additional closures could take place.
From Hwy 126, the closure begins where Forest Service Road 19 intersects with Forest Service Road 1900-408 and continues south to Rebel Trailhead.
Closed Campgrounds:
· Hard Rock Campground
· French Pete Campground
· Cougar Crossing Campground
· Sunnyside Campground
· Slide Creek Campground
Closed Recreation Sites:
· Indian Ridge Lookout
· Terwilliger Hot Springs
· Echo Day Use and Boat Launch
Closed Trails:
— French Pete Trail #3311
— Bear Flat Trail #3301
— Quaking Aspen Trail #3332
— Lowder Mountain Trail #3329
— Olallie Mountain Trail #4100
— Walker Creek Trail #3330
— East Fork Trail #3308
— Indian Ridge Trail #3315
— Rider Creek Trail #3319
— French Pete Trailhead
— Upper Lowder Mountain Trailhead
— Upper East Fork Trailhead
— Lower East Fork/Lower Echo Trailhead
— Echo Trailhead
— O’Leary / Castle Rock Trailhead
— Lowder Mountain Trailhead
— Indian Ridge North (Upper) Trailhead
— Indian Ridge South (Lower) Trailhead
Closed Forest Service Roads (FSR):
— Sections of FSR 1900
— Sections of FSR 2618
— Sections of FSR 1927
— FSR 1900-408
— FSR 1900-410
— FSR 1980
— FSR 1985
— FSR 1986
— Sections of FSR 1993
— FSR 1994
Sources below are available to stay up-to-date on the Terwilliger Fire and current fire restrictions.
— Closure area map and details: https://go.usa.gov/xUzQC
— Terwilliger Fire information line: (541) 822.7259
— InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6160
— Fire information and current fire restrictions: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/willamette/fire
Here’s the Tuesday morning update on the Terwilliger Fire:
Location: McKenzie River Ranger District, Terwilliger Hot Springs area
Start Date: August 19, 2018 Size: 125 acres Containment: 0% Cause: Under Investigation
Vegetation: Dense mixed conifer forest Incident Commander: Ricky Cox
Resources: 3 crews, 2 helicopters, 7 engines, 3 dozers, total of 87 personnel.
Summary : The Gila Las Cruces Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the Terwilliger Fire yesterday at 6 pm and will continue using the full suppression strategy started by local firefighters.
The fire is burning actively on both the west and east side of Cougar Reservoir. Yesterday crews worked on building dozer and hand lines on the fire burning west of the reservoir. They also began installing hose lays and sprinklers in the Boone Creek drainage. Fire managers are continually looking for opportunities to safely engage the fire on both sides of the reservoir.
