Contact(s): Information Hotline at 541-225-6350

Springfield, Ore – Wildfires and extreme fire danger have prompted new fire restrictions and closures on the Willamette National Forest.

A campfire ban will go into effect across the Willamette National Forest on Saturday, August 12, due to increased fire danger. This temporary ban prohibits all campfires, even in developed sites and in campfire rings. The use of chainsaws and generators is banned and smoking is also prohibited, except in vehicles, trailers, and developed recreation sites. Campers can still cook with portable cooking stoves that use pressurized, liquid gas (those that turn off with a switch).

There are currently two large wildfires on the Willamette National Forest, the Whitewater Fire and the Rebel Fire, that have caused closures to some campgrounds and trails across the Forest. Forest visitors who had campground reservations should receive an email with information about the cancellations and refunds. The current list of closures is below.

Fire crews are responding to seven new lightning fires on the Willamette National Forest. The largest fire is approximately 20 acres and located near Box Canyon and the Aufderheide Scenic Byway, approximately 30 miles north of Westfir. All others are less than an acre in size and scattered across the higher elevation portions of the forest.

Since closures can change due to wildfire activity, forest visitors should check www.fs.usda.gov/willamette (click “Fire Information”) or call the Information Hotline at 541-225-6350 before heading to the woods.

“With current extreme fire conditions, a small spark can quickly become a large wildfire,” said Holly Jewkes, Deputy Forest Supervisor for the Willamette National Forest. “We do not make this decision lightly but we’re doing all we can to protect public and firefighter safety.”

For more information on current conditions and closures on the forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/willamette, contact our Information Hotline at (541) 225-6350, or follow us Facebook and Twitter.

Recreation Areas Closed Due to Whitewater Fire (Detroit Area)

Trails Closed