BLM advises caution as Windy Rock Fire area reopens, road remains closed
MISSOULA, Mont. — Bureau of Land Management public lands in and around the Windy Rock Fire, located in the east Garnet mountains approximately 15 miles northeast of Drummond, will reopen Saturday, Oct. 18, following the recission of the Windy Rock Fire Emergency Closure Order.
A new emergency road closure will go into effect Oct. 18 for the Windy Rock Jeep Road (BLM 2865) from the junction with BLM Road 2882 in Section 15 on the south end to midway through Section 27 on the north end. This closure is due to the significant impacts to the road from fire suppression activities and the need to prevent further damage from motorized vehicles. The road will be closed to all motorized vehicles, including e-bikes, until further notice.
People recreating in the recently burned areas of the Windy Rock Fire should use caution. A burned landscape presents a number of safety hazards that either did not exist prior to the fire or have been exacerbated by the effects of the fire. In some cases, these hazardous conditions may persist for several years after a fire. Be very aware of your surroundings, follow warning signs, area closures and directions from agency personnel, and pay particular attention to these potential safety hazards. Be especially wary of hazardous trees after rain events or during wind.
When recreating in a burned area:
- LOOK UP for upslope burned areas, snags, and exposed rocks that may fall.
- LOOK DOWN for debris from falling rocks, erosion – especially at road and trail edges, and ash pits (which may form from root pockets or stumps of burned trees).
- LOOK AROUND. Be situationally aware. Check the weather before you travel, including at higher elevations. Wind, rain, ice and snow can increase the risk of tree fall, rock fall, slides and other hazards. Flash floods and landslide risks are elevated below severely burned areas.
For more information or questions, please contact the BLM Missoula Field Office at (406) 329-3717.
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.