Officials concerned about forest safety

Deschutes National Forest officials are concerned that violators of the B&B Complex Fire closure order could be putting themselves in danger from falling snags, rolling debris and tree roots still burning underground.

The officials instituted the order on August 22 to keep the public from entering areas the 90,769-acre fire burned in steep ground on the Deschutes and Willamette National Forests.

The order prohibits any type of entry, whether by foot, horseback or vehicle to protect public safety and limit resource damage.

Much of the blaze burned in mixed-conifer stands with thousands of dead trees that partially burned. Two firefighters were struck by the snags and had to be hospitalized. Professional timber fallers used chainsaws throughout the suppression effort to drop hundreds of snags before they could fall on more firefighters or highway motorists.

Many root systems continue to burn hot underground and can collapse when walked upon. Logs, rocks and undermined roads will also begin to pose risks as fall precipitation loosens soils.

Hunters, Pacific Crest Trail hikers, land owners, utility workers, researchers and students are now asking Forest Service officials' permission to enter the area, although the order only allows firefighting, Forest Service, and search and rescue personnel to enter.

According to the Forest Service, many people are simply violating the order, risking a $5,000 fine, six months in jail or both. All roads and trails leading into closure areas are posted and law enforcement officers are on patrol.

Initially, public access was denied wherever the fire had burned. Forest Service officials then amended the order September 29 so motorists could access roads on the fire's east side, after timber fallers cleared snags.

However, the officials emphasize the public may not at anytime leave roadways that intersect burned areas.

Motorists can now drive north of Highway 20 on Forest Service Road 12 to the Forest Service Road 1270 junction. They may also drive on roads east of the road section.

Forest Service Road 1270 is also open from the 12 and 1270 junction north to another 12 and 1270 junction. Motorists can drive through burned areas east of that road section, but must remain on roads.

Forest Service Road 14 on the east side of the Metolius River is also open from Lower Bridge Campground on the north down to Highway 20.

Forest Service Road 2067, south of Suttle Lake, is now open.