UPDATE 7/17/14: Please visit our trail closures page for updated information. The PCT is now closed on Mt. Jefferson Wilderness.
UPDATE 5:38pm 7/16/14: We anticipate an official closure of the PCT in Mt. Jefferson Wilderness tomorrow. Please stay out of the area.
The Bingham Complex of fires is burning to the west of the PCT in the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness. The closure area uses the PCT as it’s boundary. Travel on the PCT continues to be allowed but consider avoiding the area to protect yourself from danger and wildfire smoke. View the closure map and read the closure order.
Date: July 14, 2014: 1800 update
Willamette NF Fires, Monday July 14 Evening Update; including trail and area closures
(Springfield) Firefighters continue to respond to reports of over 65 lightning-sparked fires from storms that crossed over the Cascades Sunday. Most of the fires are small, ranging from a single burning tree to less than ¼ acre in size. Six new fires were found this afternoon.
The largest fire on the forest, the Bingham Complex, is located on the Detroit Ranger District. The complex consists of two larger fires and numerous small ones, all of which are located within the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness. As of 1700, the Bingham fires’ total acreage is 265. Fire managers have closed a portion of the Mt Jefferson Wilderness, as well as several trails in order to protect firefighter and public safety. Trails Pamelia (3439), Hunts Creek (3440), Hunts Cove (3430(3430), old Hunts Cove (3451), Grizzly Peak (3428), Bingham (3421), (portions of) Lake of the Woods (3493), Minto Mountain (3448) and Newport Drive (3438) are all closed. The Pacific Crest Trail (2000) and portions of the Swallow Lake Trail (3488) remain open. You can check the current status of the Bingham complex, including trail and area closures on inciweb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3949/ .
Two new fires were detected this afternoon were on the McKenzie River Ranger District. “We are feeling pretty good” stated Randy Harbick, McKenzie River Fire Management Officer, “We are prioritizing our actions, working safely and deliberately and are ready for the days ahead,” he added.
Visitors are encouraged to use caution in areas where firefighters are actively working. There are no public use restrictions in place at this time, but visitors should pay attention to fire danger levels and, as always, be careful with campfires.
For additional information, contact your nearest Ranger District Office.
Jude McHugh Public Affairs Officer Willamette National Forest 541.225.6305 (o) 541.915.5372 (c)
