Land closures lifted for part of Rum Creek Fire area
Nov. 22—The Bureau of Land Management has lifted some of the public land closures triggered by the Rum Creek Fire northwest of Grants Pass, but the Rainie Falls trail and part of Galice Road remain closed because of dangerous conditions.
"Galice Road between Almeda County Park and the Grave Creek Bridge, as well as the Rainie Falls National Recreation Trail, will be closed for the foreseeable future due to safety issues. The Rocky Bar recreation site is also closed," the BLM Grants Pass field office said in a press release.
The closed section of Galice Road also is known as Almeda Road, according to BLM.
Some of the areas burned by the fire will need long-term recovery, BLM said.
The area near Galice Road experienced high burn severity, which could lead to rockslides and debris flows. Rain, snow and the freezing and thawing cycle that occurs in winter all increase the chance debris could fall onto the road, BLM said.
"Please do not go into the closed areas. It's just not safe," said Grants Pass Field Manager Bill Dean. "We've seen debris falling on the road on a regular basis. We also don't want to put rescue crews at risk if someone gets hurt in these unsafe areas."
Except for the areas noted above, all other public lands that were previously closed because of the Rum Creek Fire are open again. The closure order and a map of closed lands is available at www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions.
The 40-mile Rogue River Trail on the unburned north side of the river remains open but can't be reached by Galice Road. People must travel from the north to reach the Rogue River Trail.
The 1.8-mile Rainie Falls Trail is on the south side of the river. Both trails usually can be reached via Galice Road. The Grave Creek Bridge normally provides access to both sides of the river and links the two trailheads.
Sparked by lightning Aug. 17, the Rum Creek Fire burned more than 21,000 acres before firefighters largely contained the blaze in September.
Before venturing out onto public lands near the Rum Creek Fire, be aware hazards may still exist, BLM advises.
* 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.
* If wind picks up, leave the area immediately.
* In wet weather, water or mud may build up quickly and may cause a slide.
* Stump holes can remain hot long after the fire is out, and footing can be unstable if roots have burned out underground.
* Former mines may have been exposed.
