Malheur National Forest expands Rail Ridge Fire closure

By on Monday, September 9th, 2024 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories

JOHN DAY (Released by the U.S. Forest Service)-The Malheur National Forest is expanding the area closure for the Rail Ridge Fire on the Blue Mountain Ranger District. To protect public health and safety, fire managers have closed the area described below due to fire activity and fire suppression operations. This closure will be effective September 08, 2024, through December 31, 2024, unless rescinded sooner.

This Forest Order, Malheur National Forest Rail Ridge Fire Area Closure (06-04-01-24-26), rescinds and replaces the previous Malheur National Forest Rail Ridge and PR778 Fire Closure Order (06-04-01-24-25).

Closure Area Description:

  • Starting on the National Forest Boundary on the west edge of T14S, R30E, Sections 18, 19, 30, and Sec. 31.
  • From T14S, R30E, Sec. 31 on Forest Service Road 2190 (near Riley Creek Tail) south to Forest Service Road 21 in T15S, R29E, Sec. 13.
  • Continues along Forest Service Road 21 east and south to the National Forest Boundary in T15S, R30E, Sec. 29.
  • Follows National Forest boundary south to the Izee Highway/County Road 63 on the border of T16S, R29E, Sec. 12 and T15S, R30E, Sec. 7.
  • Continues southwest along the Izee Highway/County Road 63 to the border of T16S, R29E, Sec. 31 and T17S, R29E, Sec. 6.
  • Follows National Forest boundary west to T17S, R28E, Sec. 7 then north to T13S, R27E, Sec. 33 then east to Fields Peak Road/Forest Service Road 21 on the border of T13 S, R28E, Sec 35 and T14S, R28E, Sec. 1.
  • Travel is prohibited on Forest Service Roads 2190 and 21.

A detailed map of the closure is included and can also be viewed on the Malheur National Forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/malheur

For Rail Ridge Fire information visit: https://inciweb.fs2c.usda.gov/incident-information/orocf-rail-ridge .