Emergency closure order issued for Foley Ridge Fire

Springfield, Ore. – Sept. 12, 2025 – The Willamette National Forest has issued an emergency closure order for the Foley Ridge Fire, which was reported Sept.6, 2025, on the McKenzie River Ranger District. The closure order, which is for public and firefighter safety, is in effect Sept. 12, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2025, unless modified or rescinded sooner.

Firefighters will be using heavy machinery to remove hazardous fuels and strengthen fire lines to better protect nearby communities and recreation infrastructure, enabling quicker and safer access for current and future firefighting efforts. 

The lightning-caused Foley Ridge Fire is currently 249 acres and is located on a cliff visible from Oregon Highway 242 (McKenzie Highway) approximately seven miles east of McKenzie Bridge. Highway 242 remains open to the public and drivers are encouraged to use slower speeds and be aware of increased fire related traffic. Highway 242 may be reduced to one lane or closed for brief periods as equipment moves through the area.

All areas, roads, and trailheads inside the boundary of this closure area are closed, including the Foley Ridge Road (Forest Service Road 2643). White Branch Youth Camp will remain open.

Closed recreation sites include Rainbow Falls Trailhead and Separation Lake Trailhead. Foley Ridge Trailhead will be inaccessible due to the closure. 

For the complete Foley Ridge Fire closure order, including a map, visit our website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/willamette/alerts/foley-ridge-fire-closure-order. 

The fire danger level is currently “high” and Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) is at Level II. Please remember to be check for and follow all fire restrictions when visiting the Willamette National Forest at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/willamette/fire. 

Visit our website at www.fs.usda.gov/r06/willamette/fire and follow us on Facebook and X @WillametteNF for current fire information. To report a wildfire, please call 911.

About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.