BLM closes portion of Grave Creek to Marial Backcountry Byway
Medford, Oregon – As a result of the Kelsey Peak Fire, the Bureau of Land Management Grants Pass Field Office has temporarily closed a portion of the Grave Creek to Marial Backcountry Byway near the Rogue River Ranch for firefighter and public safety. The public is strongly encouraged to avoid the entire Byway to facilitate safe firefighter access on the steep, narrow, windy road. Members of the public may not enter closed areas, and all uses—including hiking, hunting and dispersed camping—are prohibited.
The closure order encompasses BLM Road 32-9-14.2 along the Grave Creek to Marial Backcountry Byway. Please see the map for full closure information on the BLM website: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions
Public and firefighter safety are the highest priority. Providing safe access for firefighters prompted the closure of the road while crews respond to the incident. As it becomes safe to do so, firefighters will begin to assess the closure and its impact in alignment with sound risk management practices.
Weather and fuel conditions remain favorable for continued fire spread. For the latest road and weather condition updates, visit https://www.tripcheck.com/. BLM Medford District is in extreme fire danger. Fire restriction information is available on https://www.blm.gov/orwafire.
Please call 911 to report any signs of new fires.
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.