Klamath County, Oregon – A long stretch of the Chiloquin Ranger District will remain off limits as firefighters continue working around the Wrights Spring Fire, with safety taking priority over public access deep into the fall.
The South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership, or SCOFMP, announced that part of the Fremont-Winema National Forest is temporarily closed, giving crews room to suppress the wildfire and carry out recovery work without additional traffic moving through the area.
The closure began Aug. 9 and is scheduled to remain in effect through Oct. 31, 2026. It could be lifted earlier if conditions improve enough to safely reopen the affected area.
Officials said the restriction is designed to protect the public as well as firefighters and other employees working in the Chiloquin Ranger District. Wildfire operations can require crews, vehicles and equipment to move quickly, and keeping unnecessary traffic away gives personnel safer access to areas where suppression and recovery work are underway.
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The order also reduces the possibility of members of the public entering places where conditions may remain dangerous even after active flames are no longer nearby. The closure is specifically being implemented for health and public safety while work connected to the Wrights Spring Fire continues.
Access during the closure is limited. Only people who receive special authorization may enter the restricted area, and permission will depend on current safety conditions.
For visitors accustomed to using the Fremont-Winema National Forest, the order means checking access conditions before traveling into the Chiloquin Ranger District and avoiding the closed area until officials determine it is safe to return.
The lengthy closure window, stretching from early August through the end of October, gives fire managers flexibility as conditions change. Although Oct. 31 is currently listed as the end date, SCOFMP noted that reopening could come sooner if circumstances allow.
For now, the message from fire officials is straightforward: keeping the area clear helps firefighters do their jobs without added congestion and reduces risks for everyone involved.
SCOFMP thanked the public for cooperating with the closure and helping protect both firefighters and surrounding communities while work on the Wrights Spring Fire continues.
