Bureau of Land Management Medford District revises public land closures as Rum Creek Fire activity decreases
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Medford, Oregon – Thanks to progress made by firefighters on the Rum Creek Fire, the Bureau of Land Management Grants Pass Field Office is reopening some areas of public lands near the Rum Creek Fire.
The closure area is bound to the north by the Rogue River and Lower Grave Creek Road, and to the south by Galice Road and Bear Camp Road. The western boundary extends to Township 34S Range 9 West and the eastern boundary extends to Township 34 South Range 6 West. Please see attached map.
The Smullin Visitor Center in Rand will be open for permits, and new Wild Section permits will be issued starting on Monday. Please call the Smullin Visitor Center for new permits at 541-471-6535. Rocky Bar, Robert Dean, Chair, and Rand Recreation sites remain closed at this time. The Rainie Falls National Recreation Trail (on river left) remains closed. The Rogue River Trail (river right) is open. The Grave Creek boat ramp is not accessible from Galice Road.
Public and firefighter safety remain the highest priority. Before venturing out to re-opened public lands near the Rum Creek Fire, be aware that fire traffic may still be seen in the area.
Additionally, safety concerns still exist. Ash and dust from the fire may contain toxic and cancer-causing chemicals. Watch out for fire weakened trees and limbs that can fall without warning. Leave the area if wind picks up immediately. In wet weather, water or mud may cause landslides or flooding. Stump holes can remain hot long after the fire is out, and footing can be unstable if roots have burned out underground. Hot spots still exist within the fire perimeter.
The revised closure order and map will be posted on BLM.GOV: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions. For the latest road and weather condition updates, visit https://www.tripcheck.com/.
The BLM manages more than 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.