Rain, snow prompt Forest Service to reduce closure area around 3,060-acre Red Fire near Crescent Lake

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Deschutes National Forest on Friday further reduced the temporary emergency fire closure area on the Crescent Ranger District for the 3,060-acre Red Fire due to decreased fire activity and moderating weather conditions, including nearly a half-inch of rain and snow in the area.

The closure reduction is meant to increase recreation access in the area while maintaining public safety where active fire operations are still occurring, Forest Service officials said.

The closure remains in place for portions of Forest Service Road 60 until fire suppression efforts conclude and firefighters achieve containment adjacent to the road.

Fire managers and forest officials have worked closely together to reduce the closure area as much as is reasonably possible at this time. They will continue to evaluate additional changes commensurate with fire activity and safety concerns.

Red Fire | Temporary Emergency Fire Closure

The emergency closure order for the Red Fire has been updated and currently includes the following closed locations, as well as the general forest area within the closure.

The following trails and trailheads are temporarily closed:

• Metolius Windigo Trail from Windy/Oldenberg Trail Jct. to Crescent Lake SnoPark
• Fawn Lake Trailhead
• Whitefish Creek Trail
• Meek Lake Trailhead
• Snell Lake Trailhead
• Emigrant Pass Trailhead
• Crater Butte Trail
• Yoran/Trapper Creek Trail
• Pretty Lake
• Stag Lake

The following campgrounds, recreation sites and resorts are temporarily closed:

• Crescent Lake Campground
• Whitefish Creek Horse Camp
• Crescent Lake Day Use Area
• Tandy Bay Day Use Area
• Tranquil Cove Day Use Area

The following roads in the area are temporarily closed:

• Forest Service Road 60
• Forest Service Road 200
• Forest Service Road 201
• Forest Service Road 6010

Other closures include:

• Crescent Recreation Residences 1-73

For information regarding temporary emergency closures on the Deschutes National Forest, visit fs.usda.gov/alerts/deschutes/alerts-notices.

Red Fire Quick Facts – Oct. 18, 2024

This will be the final update for the Red Fire unless significant fire activity occurs. Updates will be provided for any changes to the temporary emergency closure order.

Size: 3,060 acres

Containment: 15%

Personnel: 46

Over the past 48 hours, the Red Fire has received .4" of rain and snow, moderating conditions and fire activity. This morning at 9 a.m., command of the fire transferred from a Type 3 incident commander to a Type 4 organization. Firefighters continue to patrol the perimeter and extinguish hot spots.

A map of the current closure area and the order can be viewed here: fs.usda.gov/alerts/deschutes/alerts-notices/?aid=89091