Willamette National Forest lifts fire restrictions

All fire restrictions on the Willamette National Forest have been rescinded, effective Saturday, Sept. 25, the U.S. Forest Service has announced.

“Significant” rain is expected by Monday, the agency said, and a local fire-management team has assumed control over the Middle Fork Complex of wildfires that were started by Lightning on July 29.

“The Middle Fork Complex Fire is currently 55 percent contained and fire behavior has moderated,” the Forest Service announced in a news release Friday, Sept. 24. “While firefighters still remain diligent in their patrol and mop up, additional efforts are being made toward rehabilitation efforts on the incident,  including clearing debris and restoring areas damaged by firefighting efforts.

“A major focus moving forward is the preservation and repair of road systems ahead of winter.  This includes activities such as clearing ditch lines and culverts, adding water bars to direct the flow of water, and mulching steep slopes and biomass removal and consolidation.

“Human-caused fires are still a threat, so always practice good fire safety and never leave a fire unattended until it is completely out. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave. Dump water on the fire, use a shovel to stir the ashes, and dump more water. Always have a shovel and extra water nearby.”