Mt. Hood National Forest Reduces Closure Area As Austin, Narrows Fires See Increased Containment
The Mt. Hood National Forest has reduced the area closed to the public around the Austin and The Narrows fires as containment increases and fire activity decreases, officials said.
The fires are burning east of Estacada in the Clackamas River Ranger District.
Oregon Highway 224 has reopened west of Fish Creek, giving visitors access to the Hole in the Wall and Sandstone boat launches.
The northern boundary of the remaining forest closure begins at the junction of Forest Road 46 and Forest Road 57, just beyond Ripplebrook Campground. Forest Road 57 is open.
Forest Road 46 is also open from its junction with Forest Road 42, providing access toward Detroit via U.S. 26. Forest Roads 63 and 70 remain closed, and Bagby Hot Springs remains inaccessible and closed.
Several additional roads and trails have reopened. Visitors can find the latest closure information and map on the Mt. Hood National Forest website.
Officials said the remaining closure is needed to protect the public and firefighters while suppression and repair work continues.
Even after a wildfire is contained, dangerous conditions can remain, including unstable trees, rockfall, downed trees and heavy equipment operating on forest roads. Some roads also remain impassable for fire traffic.
Forest managers are coordinating daily with fire crews to monitor the fires and said they will reopen additional areas when conditions are safe.
Some recreation areas that are no longer inside the closure boundary are nevertheless closed for the season. Those include Lake Harriet Campground and several campgrounds at Timothy Lake. Visitors should check the forest’s website for current recreation-site status.
More information about the Austin Fire is available through InciWeb.
Officials said both the Austin and The Narrows fires were caused by human activity.
The Mt. Hood National Forest is also experiencing warmer, drier conditions, with high temperatures and low humidity expected this week. Fire restrictions remain in effect, and officials are urging visitors to take precautions to prevent new wildfires.
A separate closure order remains in effect for the Grasshopper Fire on the east side of Mt. Hood.