Wildfires in Southern Oregon have temporary impact on Thielsen hazard tree operations

Crews are working to reopen Oregon 138E affected by the Jack Fire. (Oregon Department of Transportation)

As Oregon battles wildfires throughout the state, our crews are taking fire safety precautions as we complete work in response to the 2020 wildfires. With these precautions, crews are actively keeping abreast of the developing 2021 wildfire situation to adjust operations as needed.

One of the active fire areas, the Jack Fire in Douglas County, is adjacent to the cleanup operation along Oregon 138E. Oregon 138E (North Umpqua Highway) remains closed due to the Jack Fire between MP 38-55 between Steamboat and Slide Creek.

As a result of the Jack Fire, hazard tree operations in the Thielsen Fire area on 138E near Diamond Lake have been temporarily suspended as crews await the reopening of the highway. The closure is expected to only last a few days, but crews are actively monitoring the situation to resume operations as soon as it is safe to continue. Hazard tree removal operations east of Glide in response to the Archie Creek Fire are still ongoing.

Travelers are encouraged to monitor Trip Check to stay up to date on all the latest closures and impacts along the state highway system.