Ochoco National Forest expands Maury Mountains closure area due to increased Wiley Flat Fire activity

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- In coordination with the Crook County Sheriff’s Office, the Ochoco National Forest is expanding the Maury Mountains closure area. This decision follows increased fire activity on the western flank of the Wiley Flat Fire, making the expanded closure necessary to ensure public safety and allow firefighters to continue their work without interruption, officials said.

Here's the rest of the forest's announcement Tuesday:

To protect the public and provide space for safe firefighting operations, this closure expansion is crucial. Heavy equipment, such as bulldozers and water tenders, continues to operate on narrow roads, and aerial resources remain active overhead. Public presence in these areas would not only pose a risk to civilians but could hinder essential fire suppression efforts.

We recognize that this expanded closure affects access to popular areas, especially during hunting season, but protecting lives remains our top priority. The decision to expand the closure was made after careful consideration and ongoing consultation with the Crook County Sheriff’s Office.

We appreciate your cooperation as we work together to manage this fire. The closure will stay in effect until conditions improve, at which point we will reassess and determine when it may be safe to reopen the area.

For detailed closure maps and updated information, please visit the Ochoco National Forest website.

Evacuations:

Evacuations have been issued for areas from SE Pine Creek Road (FS RD 17) west to SE Newsome Creek Road from Highway 380 south into the forest boundary. Additionally, Level 2 “Be Set” evacuations are in effect from SE Newsome Creek Road west to SE Conant Basin Road are south of Highway 380. For the latest information please visit the Crook County Sheriff’s Facebook and webpage.

Visit the official source for wildfire information in Central Oregon at centraloregonfire.org for wildfire updates or follow fire information on X/Twitter @CentralORfire. Call 9-1-1 to report a wildfire.