The Willamette National Forest Service has announced that
due to a combination of extreme fire conditions, explosive fire behavior and
heavy smoke from a fire in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness, all access to Mount
Jefferson and Jefferson Park is closed and will remain closed through the
August 21 total solar eclipse.
“We understand this is a disappointment to residents and
visitors who looked forward to the opportunity to experience the eclipse in
this area. Unfortunately, the risk is too great, and our highest responsibility
must be visitor safety,” said Forest Supervisor Tracy Beck. “Fueled by the excessively
hot conditions of the previous weeks, this fire has burned very erratically and
some nights has moved more than a mile through thick forests.”
.
The size of the closure reflects the unpredictable fire
behavior that fire managers have witnessed during the recent hot spell. To
protect the public, all trails leading into the closed area will be staffed 24
hours a day to inform visitors and enforce the closure. Given the weather
forecast and already dry forest conditions, the fire could continue to grow and
additional closures could take place.
State officials predict thousands of travelers will visit
Oregon to experience the eclipse on public lands. Expect crowds, traffic
congestion, difficulty finding a campsite or parking spot, and limited supplies
in smaller communities. It is recommended you bring a generous amount of water,
food and emergency supplies.
For updates and more information, visit www.fs.usda.gov/willamette/ or Twitter and Facebook @willamettenf
