Rattle Fire disrupts travel to Crater Lake

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Story Published: Sep 9, 2008 at 9:36 AM PDT

By KVAL Web Staff

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ROSEBURG, Ore. -- One of two major forest fires burning in the Northwest is disrupting visitor travel to Crater Lake National Park.

The Rattle Fire grew over 250 acres on Monday to 2,238 acres. The blaze 30 miles east of Glide, Ore., poses a possible threat to residences in the community of Dry Creek as well as Pacific Corp powerlines.

Last week, firefighters felt the existing road system would contain the fire, then burning on a little over 900 acres. Dry weather and wind whipped up the flames, however, fueling the fire's growth and helping the fire jump Highway 138.

The highway is now closed between mileposts 44 and 59, disrupting access to Crater Lake National Park.

People traveling from Interstate 5 to Crater Lake or Diamond Lake are advised to take the Gold Hill exit between Grants Pass and Medford. Travel on SR 234 to SR 62 to Union Creek for the south entrance to Crater Lake National Park. To reach the north entrace to the national park or Diamond Lake, take SR 230 at Union Creek.

Travelers coming south on I-5 are advised to take the SR 58 exit just south of Eugene to US Route 97. Turn off USR 97 on to SR 138 to reach both Diamond Lake and the north entrance to Crater Lake National Park.

For more information on the status of Hwy 138, please visit the Oregon Department of Transportation Web site or call toll-free within Oregon at 1-800-977-ODOT or 1-503-588-2941 outside of Oregon.

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