Document text
Bear Camp Road, a popular backwoods route to the coast, will be closed at noon today because of the Klondike fire. The road will be closed to all non-fire traffic between the intersection of Merlin-Galice Road to Forest Service Road 33 near Agness until further notice, officials with the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest announced this morning. "Fire officials made the decision to close the road for the safety of both the public and fire personnel who continue their suppression efforts, and will re-open the road when the risk to travelers has lifted," a media release said. Bear Camp is the most common route traveled for the shuttle drivers for Wild and Scenic Lower Rogue River visitors, providing a shorter alternative than other possible routes. Here are the detours suggested by forest officials: Eden Valley route, located on the north side of the river, from Foster Bar to Galice, about 2-1/2 to 3 hours. Foster Bar to Gold Beach, and south on Highway 101 to Highway 199 east, about 4 hours from Foster Bar to Medford. Officials from the forest, Curry County, law enforcement and emergency management staff decided a complete road closure would allow firefighters the space to work safely and effectively in fighting the Klondike fire, which has grown to nearly 130,000 acres. Medford District Bureau of Land Management and Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest recreation staff are contacting outfitters and guides on the river to ensure they are aware of the closure. Fire activity has not significantly affected the Wild Section river use, the release said. Those planning to float the lower Rogue or hike the Rogue River Trail can call the Rand Visitor Center (Smullin Visitor Center) at 541-479-3735.