Deschutes National Forest implements emergency area closures due to Backside, Firestone wildfires

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Effective immediately, the Deschutes National Forest said Saturday is temporarily closing two areas on the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District due to the Backside and Firestone fires.

Backside Fire | Temporary Emergency Fire Closure

An emergency closure order for the Backside Fire burning one mile west of Mt. Bachelor and 16 miles west of Bend is now in effect.

Campground reservations for developed campgrounds listed below are being canceled starting today (Saturday) through the next week.

The following developed recreation sites are temporarily closed:

• Edison SnoPark
• Edison Shelter
• AC/DC Shelter
• Sheridan Shelter
• Quinn Meadow Trailhead
• Quinn Meadow Horse Camp
• Devil’s Lake Camp
• Devil’s Lake Trailhead
• Soda Creek Campground
• Sparks Lake Picnic Area
• Ray Atkeson Trailhead
• Todd Creek Horse Camp
• Todd Creek Trailhead
• Mount Bachelor

Roads in the area:

• All National Forest System Roads found within the area closure are closed. Cascade Lakes Highway (NFSR 46) and River-Summit Drive (NFSR 45) will remain open for public use.

Firestone Fire | Temporary Emergency Fire Closure

An emergency closure for the Firestone Fire burning 26 miles east of La Pine is now in effect. Please see attached map and closure order for details. Closed developed recreation sites and roads include:

The following developed recreation sites are temporarily closed:

• NFSR 25 OHV Trailhead (RD 25 Trailhead)
• NFSR 2510 OHV Trailhead (Rd 2510 Trailhead)
• Camp 11 OHV Trailhead
• Groundhog OHV Trailhead
• China Hat Campground
• South Lava OHV Trailhead
• South Ice Cave Picnic Area

Roads in the area:

• All National Forest System Roads found within the area closure are closed.
• NFSR 23 will remain open for public use. NFSR 22 west of the closure boundary will remain open for public use.
• NFSR 18 north and south of the closure boundary will remain open for public use.

For information regarding temporary emergency closures on the Deschutes National Forest, visit fs.usda.gov/alerts/deschutes/alerts-notices .

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