Dangerous fire conditions and spreading wildfires across the state has prompted Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) to issue a statewide fire ban and close some parks. Park Closures – The following parks are closed to all visitors until further notice or unless otherwise noted: Silver Falls State Park near Silverton; Detroit Lake campground and Mongold day-use area near Detroit; North Santiam State Park near Mehama; Collier Memorial State Park near Klamath Falls, closed the remainder of September, which is when its normal camping season ends. These parks were evacuated early Tuesday. Information for evacuation centers, which are not operated by OPRD, will be published at stateparks.oregon.gov when it is available. Additionally, these parks closed the afternoon of Sep. 8 with visitors now leaving: All state parks and boat ramps on Fall Creek Reservoir — including Winberry day-use area, North Shore day-use area and Cascara campground — are closed until further notice; Cape Lookout State Park near Tillamook will close through Sep. 10 due to power outages and limited water supply related to high winds. Campers with reservations at closed parks will be issued refunds. Refund details and dates are posted on our Fire Information Page. Further closures and evacuations are possible depending on smoke and fire danger, and more information is available online at oregonsmoke.blogspot.com and gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/information/firemap. Many parks remain open, but are experiencing poor air quality and frequent power outages. Power failure could happen at any park without notice. “It’s best not to visit any state parks until conditions improve,” said OPRD Associate Director Chris Havel. “If you do travel to a park, or anywhere else for that matter, give space to emergency personnel and be prepared for unexpected closures.”
