Rattle Fire closes more roads, trails
GLIDE, Ore. -- Roads and trails near the Rattle Fire are closed to public access as firefighters battle the flames, now burning on 2,700 acres about 30 miles east of Glide.
The area of the fire has tripled in less than a week but is considered 7 percent contained. Last week, firefighters hoped to contain what was then a 900 acre fire using the existing road system as firelines.
Over the weekend, dry weather and wind kicked up the flames. The fire jumped State Highway 138, which remains closed with no estimated time to reopen.
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The Umpqua National Forest ordered many forest roads and trails closed to public access.
Click on the map below for a larger version of the closure map.
The fire is now actively burning in the area of the 1996 Spring Fire and south to Highway 138 as well as to the south of the highway. Crews are focusing on spot fires south of the highway and protection of residences, Pacific Corp powerlines and other structures in the area.
There are 711 people assigned to the fire, with nine helicopters and 31 fire engines.
According to the latest update from the U.S. Forest Service, the fire perimeter south of the Umpqua River is lined on the east and south flanks. Highway 138 remains closed betwee MP 47 and MP 59. A voluntary evacuation notice remains in place for 2 Slide Creek residences.
