Bureau of Land Management reduces emergency fire closures for the Van Meter Fire
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Klamath Falls, ORE. – The emergency closure area for the Van Meter Fire has been reduced this week to the fire perimeter. Members of the public may not enter closed areas, and all uses—including hiking, hunting, and dispersed camping—are prohibited.
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
There has been not fire growth over the last week and the fire is 100 percent contained. There are still pockets of unburned areas causing visible smoke within the fire perimeter that may continue to burn until winter snows.
Public and firefighter safety remain the highest priority. Before venturing out to re-opened public lands near the Van Meter Fire, be aware that fire traffic may still be seen in the area.
Additionally, safety concerns still exist. Watch out for fire weakened trees and limbs that can fall without warning. Leave the area immediately if the wind picks up. 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 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.