ROSEBURG, OR – September 10, 2020 – Due to unprecedented fire activity and
extreme weather conditions over the last three days the Umpqua National Forest
has issued closure orders for the Diamond Lake and North Umpqua Ranger
Districts. This restricts access to all but emergency personnel and persons that
have a permit specifically authorizing their presence in the closure areas. There
are multiple fires that are burning on the Forest. This combined with the recent high
wind event has blocked roads and trails making travel both hazardous and
increasing the potential for entrapment behind fast moving fires.
The Closure is to protect the public and fire fighters as active fire suppression work
involves heavy equipment. Persons not associated with the fire suppression
activities can inadvertently enter work zones and endanger themselves and fire
fighters.
The Forest continues to be in EXTREAM FIRE DANGER and has instituted Public
Use Restrictions Level 2. This prohibits all campfires on all Umpqua National
Forest lands until further notice. “While the public lands of the Umpqua are an
excellent place to recreate, at this time we need to allow professional fire fighters
sole access to control the wildfires on the Forest”, said Vern Shumway, the
Umpqua National Forest Recreation Program Manager.
Maps of the closure orders (Order 06-15-03-20-420 and Order 06-15-06-20-421)
are attached and the full document can be provided electronically as requested.
For more information about the Umpqua National Forest call the Forest at (541)
957-3200 or www.fs.usda.gov/umpqua.
