Emergency closure ends, a year after the Firestone and Flat Top fires, but visitors are still urged to use caution
KTVZ
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes National Forest lands around last year’s Firestone and Flat Top Fires, about 20 miles from La Pine, will reopen Wednesday after an emergency closure order expires, Forest Service officials said Tuesday.
People recreating in the recently burned areas are still being advised to use caution, according to the announcement, which continues in full below:
A burned landscape presents a number of safety hazards that either did not exist prior to the fire or have been exacerbated by the effects of the fire.
In some cases, these hazardous conditions may persist for several years after a fire. Be very aware of your surroundings, follow warning signs, area closures and directions from agency personnel, and pay particular attention to these potential safety hazards. Be especially wary of hazard trees after rain events or during wind.
When recreating in a burned area:
LOOK UP for upslope burned areas, snags, and exposed rocks that may fall.
LOOK DOWN for debris from falling rocks, erosion – especially at road and trail edges, and ash pits (which may form from root pockets or stumps of burned trees).
LOOK AROUND. Be situationally aware. Check the weather before you travel, including at higher elevations. Wind, rain, ice and snow can increase the risk of tree fall, rock fall, slides and other hazards. Flash floods and landslide risks are elevated below severely burned areas.
For more information or questions, please contact the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District at (541)383-5300.