Forest Prepares for Red Flag Weather Warning During Current Wildland Fire Activity this Weekend

Forest users are being advised of the several recommendations.

Visit: http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/willamette

(SALEM) - The Willamette National Forest through the Middle Fork Ranger District has put into place a plan to notify and provide safe exit routes for the public. This plan was created to address the Forest wide High fire danger and a Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service beginning Friday Aug. 17 through Monday Aug. 20.

This Warning is for extremely dry conditions and a very unstable atmosphere that can lead to rapid fire growth and spread. Additionally, there is the potential for severe thunderstorms and lighting for this weekend with little or no rainfall associated with the storm.

Forest users are being advised of the following recommendations: 

       Displacement of all Forest users using trails, all campgrounds, day use sites, can occur via notification by Forest Service and law enforcement officials.  This notification can occur for all users within a half-hour notice; once a threat has been confirmed.

       Current Wildland fires are still being managed via the Middle Fork RD; The Buckhead Complex ( Buckhead, Bobby, & the Evangeline)

       Suggested egress routes for all Forest users at Waldo Lake area are to use the Waldo Lake Road south to Hwy-58 to Oakridge. PICK-UP / SUV type vehicles only may egress to Century Drive via USFS road 5897.

       Traffic/Fire Information boards remain in place at major Forest Service and County roads to advise travelers of current restrictions.

       Both Forest Service and County Law Enforcement will be patrolling major road and Forest facilities both day and night through the weekend.

For further information, please contact or visit the Middle Fork RD, at (541) 782-2291.

Or visit the Willamette National Forest website for information on the Buckhead Complex Fires, Forest closures and much more at; http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/willamette