Due to ongoing wildfire activity, the Ochoco National Forest is implementing the closure of Paulina Ranger District, effective immediately. This closure is necessary to ensure public safety and to allow fire personnel to effectively engage in ongoing incidents.
The public is prohibited from entering lands, roads, trails and recreation areas and facilities within the closure area. A detailed map and description of the closure area is available on the Forest website and at any Forest office. Closure signs will be posted on the ground.
Following lightening activity July 21, firefighters in Central Oregon have responded to multiple new starts, most of which were on the Paulina Ranger District of the Ochoco National Forest.
Nationally and regionally, we are at the highest level of wildfire response, a Preparedness Level of 5 (PL5). At a PL5 wildfire resources are being stretched across the nation, which means the ability to respond to new fires quickly is challenging.
Given the limitations of firefighting resources and ongoing incidents on the ranger district, along with continued high temperatures, lack of wetting rain, and the potential for lightning in the foreseeable future, the Ochoco National Forest is taking this unusual step in closing a portion of the forest to reduce any new starts that might impact the public, private property, and national forest lands.
For more information on closures please visit our website https://www.fs.usda.gov/ochoco and for wildfire information in Central Oregon at centraloregonfire.org for wildfire updates or follow fire information on X/Twitter @CentralORfire.
