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Your Hometown News Source
PENDLETON-The last large fire closure area on the Umatilla National Forest was lifted September 7.
After a very active 2024 fire season suppressing the fires, the Pomeroy Ranger District is facing a long fire recovery period. The fire closure enabled crews the chance to provide some road repair, hazardous tree removal, post public safety signs and initial assessment of damage to the district. All of this work aimed to reduce the number of hazards that were the result of the Cougar Creek fire.
The closure was lifted at 12:01 a.m. September 7, 2024.
Forest officials ask that visitors do not camp or linger in a burned area. Dead or dying trees that remain standing after a fire are unstable, especially in high winds. Loose rocks and logs can be present in a burned area and are unpredictable, creating a rolling hazard. Additionally, burned vegetation can also contribute to landslides, mudslides and erosion when rain occurs. The ground in a burned area can also be unstable, due to burned-out roots beneath the soil. Forest users should also be aware that while the fire line has been made as secure as possible, they are likely to encounter fire and pockets of heat in unburned islands within the interior of the fire area. These will likely continue to have areas of heat or open flame until significant snow or winter weather. Even areas that have no visible fire and that appear cool can still have hot ash pits below the surface. After soils and vegetation have been charred, rainfall that would normally be absorbed could run off extremely quickly.
Forest visitors may also encounter firefighter traffic until the fall, downed trees in roadways, dusty roads and areas of smoke. Please be alert when traveling on the Forest.
Fire danger on the Umatilla National Forest is High. For areas that re-open to the public, Phase B Public Use Restrictions are in effect. Under these restrictions:
• Campfires are only allowed in designated campgrounds and recreation sites. Liquified or bottled gas stoves and heaters are allowed.
• A list of designated recreation sites is available on the Forest's website.
• Operating an internal combustion engine, like a chainsaw, is prohibited, except for those with a firewood cutting permit in authorized areas and must follow the IFPL.
• Generators will only be allowed in the center of an area at least 10 feet in diameter that is cleared of all flammable material including in a pickup truck bed and factory installed in a recreational vehicle.
• Smoking is allowed only in enclosed vehicles, buildings or cleared areas.
The public is also encouraged to practice safe campfire principles when recreating in dispersed and developed campsites.
