U.S. Forest Service release updated Anthony Fire area closure order

By Garrett Christensen on Tuesday, August 18th, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

BAKER COUNTY – On Friday, August 14, the U.S. Forest Service officially issued an updated closure order for the Anthony Fire effective through December 31, 2026, unless rescinded sooner. This clarifies current restrictions on entering the closure area (by foot or vehicle) as well as current exemptions from connected Forest Service roads in the area.

The current map can be seen above, while the full updated closure order is as follows:

(Release from the U.S. Forest Service, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest)

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50(a) and (b), the following prohibitions are established within the Whitman Ranger Distric of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, specifically within the description below and shown on Exhibit A. This order is effective August 14, 2026, through December 31, 2026, unless rescinded sooner.

This order replaces and rescinds prior Forest Order: Whitman Ranger District 06-16-01-26-04

PROHIBITIONS

Entering into or being upon an area closed for the protection of public health and safety. 36 CFR § 261.53(e).
Being on a National Forest System Road. 36 CFR § 261.54 (c) and (e).
Being on a National Forest System Trail. 36 CFR § 261.55 (a)
Use of vehicles off National Forest System Roads. 36 CFR § 261.56

AREA DESCRIPTION AFFECTED BY THIS ORDER

Anthony Fire Closure

See attached map Exhibit A, displaying the places where this Order applies—the location is as follows:

Closure area consists of all geographical areas on Forest Service land within boundaries of the following description, but for the following exceptions: Starting where National Forest System (NFS) road 7300 junction with the NFS 7312, west on NFS road 7300 to the junction of NFS road 4300. From that point, north on 4300 to the junction with NFS road 4380, east on NFS road 4380 to the junction with NFS road 7312, south on 7312 to the junction with NFS road 7300. NFS road 4300 is closed to all traffic from the junction with NFS road 4300-950 to the junction with NFS road 4380. NFS road 4380 is closed to all traffic from the junction with NFS roads 4300 to the junction with NFS road 7312. NFS road 7312 is closed between the junction with NFS road 4380 to the junction with NFS road 7300.

NFS road 7300 is open to all traffic. NFS road 4300 is open to all traffic from NFS 7300 to the junction with NFS road 4300-950. NFS road 7300-180 (Mud Lake Campground) is open to all traffic. NFS road 7300-160 and 161 (Floodwater Flats Recreation Residence Tract) are open to local traffic only. Mud Lake Campground and Grande Ronde Campground / Boat Launch are open for recreational use.

This order does not override any standing or future orders on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest other than orders listed previously in this document. Roads listed as open above may have closures due to other fires.

EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this order:

(1) Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation Order), specifically exempting them from this Order.

(2) Any Federal, State, or local official or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A.

PURPOSE:

This closure is necessary to provide protection for forest users, firefighting personnel and natural resources from the current fire hazards associated with existing and predicted wildfire activity

Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3551, 3571, and 3581.

Executed on the 14th day of August 2026.

TRACI ZIMMERLEE

Forest Supervisor, Acting

Wallowa-Whitman National Forest