BLM announces emergency closure of trails and off-road areas in Nome Creek Valley due to wildland fire activity in the White Mountains National Recreation Area
FAIRBANKS, Alaska – To protect the public and provide for firefighter safety in light of ongoing wildland fire activity associated with the Ophir fire (#216), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is closing the trails and off-road areas in the Nome Creek Valley of the White Mountains National Recreation Area accessible from the U.S. Creek Road at mile 57 Steese Highway. A map of the closure area is attached.
The Ophir Fire was first reported Thursday, torching and burning in black spruce and tundra north of the Nome Creek Valley. The weather forecast for the area includes extended hot and dry weather increasing the risks of new starts and large fire growth, raising continued concerns about public and firefighter safety. Closing the trails and off-road areas will allow fire fighters to readily locate visitors if an evacuation becomes necessary. The Nome Creek Road and the valley’s two campgrounds are not included in the fire closure order, but changing conditions could necessitate road and campground closures in the future.
Until the BLM determines that use of the trails and of-road areas no longer threatens public or firefighter safety, the public should not use the area. Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both (43 CFR § 9212).
The BLM appreciates the public’s cooperation in helping to minimize the number of human-caused wildfires and keeping everyone safe if you encounter wildfire activity while traveling Alaska’s highways by following these tips:
Watch out for firefighters and firefighting equipment in and along the road.
Slow down before entering areas of dense smoke.
Make sure your headlights are on so that you are more visible to others.
To report a wildland fire in Alaska, call 1-800-237-3633 or 911.
For more information on closures, please contact the BLM Eastern Interior Field Office at (907) 474-2200. Additional fire information can be found at www.akfireinfo.com or by calling the Alaska Interagency Fire Information Office at (907) 356-5511.
While the Nome Creek trails and off-road areas are closed, the BLM manages other areas that remain open to the public, including hiking areas such as the Pinnell Mountain National Recreation Trail or riding the McKay Creek Trail.
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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.