Regional News

Burned Area Closures Lifted

Apr 26, 2016

The temporary emergency closures issued during last summer’s fire season have been lifted today. The Colville National Forest portion of the North Star, Graves Mountain, Renner Lake, Tower and Grease Creek burned areas are now open to access with restrictions. In burned areas where roadside hazards have not yet been mitigated roads within the burned areas will be closed but the burned areas will be open to non-motorized access.

Roads within the Tower Fire and Grease Creek Fire areas in Pend Oreille County remain closed but the areas are open to access. Forest Service Trail #533 (Hall Mountain/Grassy Top Trail) within the Grease Creek Fire area is closed.
Roads within the Stickpin Fire area in Ferry County remain closed, with the exception of Albian Hill Road (NFS Road 2030000), Bull Dog Cabin Road (NFS Road 6113000), however the burned area is open to access.
Firewood cutting is prohibited in the North Star Fire area due to a contracted salvage sale in the area. Access to Swan, Ferry and Long Lakes boat launches is open, but the campgrounds will not be open until Memorial Day.
Graves Mountain and Renner Lake Fire areas are open to full public access.

While these area closures have been lifted, forest officials are still urging that the public use caution in these areas. These burned areas will have new hazards including weakened burned trees, burned out stump holes covered in ash, unstable soils, and changed road conditions. In some cases, rehabilitation operations will be occurring and temporary closures will be needed due to heavy equipment working in the area.

For more information on a specific area closure, please contact your local ranger district office.