Highway 138 Is Now Open - Evacuations Lifted
Incident: Williams Creek Wildfire
Released: 8/7/2009
Williams Creek Fire
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New Closure Order UMP254 (Effective August 8, 2009)
A closure order has been issued by the Umpqua National Forest for the North Umpqua River from the Bogus Creek Boat Launch, down river to the confluence of Thunder Creek (approximately 3 miles). This includes the parking lot for the Bogus Creek Boat Launch site. In addition, the North Umpqua Trail #1414 is also closed, beginning at the trailhead junction of Cougar Trail #1507 and Trail #1414, down river to the confluence of Thunder Creek and the North Umpqua River. Please see attached map to this closure order under Maps within Inciweb for the Williams Creek Fire.
Highway 138 Opens
Glide, OR -
State Highway 138E is now open. A pilot car will guide traffic between milepost 33 - 36 (approximately), near Falls Creek Trailhead. Travelers can expect up to 20-minute delays and one lane traffic. Periods of heavy smoke can be expected along with large fire-fighting equipment on the road. Helicopters may be dipping their buckets into the North Umpqua River to obtain water for their fire-fighting efforts. During this time Highway 138E may be closed temporarily to protect the safety of the public. Law enforcement personnel will be present to manage traffic and control speeds. Motorists are advised to drive slow and watch for fire-fighters. No stopping will be permitted between mile posts 29 to 39 on Highway 138.
"We understand the closure is a hardship for residents and local businesses," said ODOT District Manager Jerry Marmon, "but safety has been our primary concern. We'll continue to monitor the situation should conditions worsen."
The latest state highway conditions are available online at www.TripCheck.com and by dialing 511.
Evacuations Lifted
The mandatory evacuations for the Moore Hill residents and for Steamboat Inn have been lifted. The Steamboat Inn owners will remain on a pre-evacuation advisory for the next few days.
Area and Campground Closures
The roads and area within and near the fire remain closed to the public. The Forest Service Campgrounds Bogus Creek and Williams Creek remain closed along the Scaredman Campground on the Bureau of Land Management.
