Wallowa-Whitman National Forest issues emergency closure order for Town Gulch Fire
By Joe Hathaway on Wednesday, August 7th, 2024 in Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER COUNTY – An emergency area closure order has been issued for the Town Gulch Fire within the Whitman Ranger District of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. Effective August 7, 2024, through October 1, 2024, unless rescinded sooner, the order aims to ensure public safety amid hazardous conditions caused by the ongoing fire.
The closure, established under Forest Order #06-16-01-24-05, prohibits entry into the specified National Forest System Lands, including roads, trails, and campgrounds detailed in the order. Specifically, the closure area is bounded by Forest Service Road (FSR) 7000 (East Eagle Road) at the Forest Boundary, extending to FSR 7015 (Empire Gulch Road), FSR 7700, and FSR 7710, and back to the starting point. Exceptions are made for FSR 7700 from Highway 86 to the FSR 7700/7710 junction, which remains open.
Exemptions to the order include individuals with a specific Forest Service permit (FS-7700-48) and federal, state, or local law enforcement officers, as well as members of organized rescue or firefighting forces performing official duties. Violations of the prohibitions can result in fines up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
The closure is deemed necessary to protect forest visitors from hazardous conditions associated with the fire. Enforcement will be conducted by Forest Protection Officers, Law Enforcement Officers, and Special Agents, with an initial emphasis on warnings to achieve compliance. Posting of the closure order will occur at all major access points to the affected area.
Forest Supervisor Shaun McKinney, who signed the order, emphasized that the closure is a categorically excluded action under the National Environmental Policy Act, aimed at short-term resource protection and public safety. The order is compliant with the Forest Order process and is not expected to have any disproportionate impact on civil rights.
For more information and updates on the closure, visitors are encouraged to contact the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest office.
