Forest Service Warns of Closures, Urges Caution for Holiday Weekend

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Leading into the Labor Day weekend, the U.S. Forest Service is urging the public to be aware of the continued risks of fire in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Firefighters are still battling fires in and around the forest and officials are asking the public to consider them in their summer plans and heed the closures and restrictions currently in place. 

Campfires are prohibited, except in provided metal rings in approved recreation areas. Smoking outside of a vehicle is banned. 

All motorized vehicles are prohibited on forest trails. Finally, all combustible engines are prohibited, except for motor vehicles and portable generators operated in allowed areas. 

Due to the Cougar Creek Fire still being active on the north and south sides of Mount Adams, and the Mount Adams Complex fire still active on the west flank, the entire Mount Adams Wilderness and the Pacific Crest Trail through the wilderness is closed. Climbing on Mount Adams and the land bordering the wilderness is closed. However, the Pacific Crest Trail has been rerouted. 



The Alder Lake Fire is burning on the south side of Alder Lake, west of Elbe. The steep terrain has proven very difficult for firefighters. Forest Roads 74, 7409 and their spur roads have all been closed. 

A full list of approve recreation sites are available at: www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3846943.pdf

The rerouted Pacific Crest Trail is available at:  www.fs.usda.gov/detail/giffordpinchot/home/?cid=stelprd3845051

Updates, maps and photos of the Alder Lake Fire and Cougar Creek Fire are available at:  http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/state/49