Coos Bay District Extends Recreation Site Closures Due to Ongoing Fire Risk, Sept. 17

BLM release – Coos Bay, Ore. – As a result of extreme fire danger, the Bureau of Land Management Coos Bay District will keep closed all developed recreation sites east of Highway 101, with the exception of Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area. The closure will be in place until further notice. Members of the public may not enter closed recreation areas. This temporary closure includes the following developed recreation sites: Smith River Falls Campground; Vincent Creek Campground; Fawn Creek Campground; East Shore Campground; Park Creek Campground; Edson Creek Campground; Sixes River Campground; Doerner Fir Trail; Blue Ridge Trail System.  Recreation sites west of Highway 101, including Bastendorff Beach, the North Spit Boat Ramp and Trail System, and the New River Area of Critical Environmental Concern remain open. Campfires and any open flames remain prohibited at these locations west of Highway 101, as well as on all forest lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management Coos Bay District. The Coos Bay District will monitor the weather and fire risk in the region to determine when it is safe to reopen the recreation sites. Public and firefighter safety are the highest priority. The extreme fire danger prompted the closure of these recreation sites starting on September 9, 2020. Firefighting resources continue to be limited. Moderate to heavy smoke impacts from the fires are expected to continue along the western slopes of the Cascades and into the Willamette Valley. Personal safety is paramount. Stay informed on air quality ratings and more by visiting the Oregon Smoke Blog at http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/. Learn how to stay safe from wildfire smoke at https://www.cdc.gov/air/wildfire-smoke/default.htm. Please call 911 to report any signs of new fires. Please observe public use restrictions and help us limit potential new starts during this time. A list of personal use restrictions, as well as closure orders, are available at https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter @BLMOregon.