As of 8:00 AM Friday, July 23, 2021, fire officials have lifted the public closure in effect around the Darlene Fire area. The closure included: all BLM lands, facilities, and roads from the intersection of Finley Butte Rd (Forest service 22 Rd) and Darlene Way Darlene south to Highway 31, West to Powerline Road. North along Powerline Road to Finley Butte Rd (Forest service 22 Rd) and back to the intersection of Finley Butte Rd (Forest service 22 Rd) and Darlene Way.
Although the public can now enter these areas, they should use caution as recently burned areas can still have hot spots, burned trees could fall, and areas where stumps and root systems burned could present a tripping hazard. In addition, anyone passing through should drive slowly and be aware of fire traffic still in the area.
Fire officials also want to remind the public that extreme fire danger remains and to take care when recreating on public lands. Campfires are now prohibited throughout most of Oregon, and visitors should always check before heading out and plan on a different source of heat and cooking. Every human-caused fire that’s prevented keeps our firefighters rested and ready for any new lightning starts.
