Closure of Hart Road Fire Burn Area at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area

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Published: Tuesday, 13 September 2016 18:46

From Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area:

The Hart Road Fire, started on August 21, 2016, burned approximately 585 acres of federal land along the Spokane River within Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area (LRNRA).  Beginning at 12:01 am September 9, 2016, and remaining until further notice, the Superintendent has closed all federal land located within the fire footprint under the authority granted by 36 CFR §1.5(a) (1) due to significant safety concerns within the burned area.  This closure includes all vehicle, horse, and foot traffic, as well as all shoreline access encompassing all federal land burned in the Hart Road Fire from the park boundary to the waterline.  An exception exists for those landowners holding a valid road easement through the park to their property.

A burned landscape presents a number of safety hazards that either did not exist prior to the fire or are increased by the effects of the fire.  In some cases these hazardous conditions may continue for several years after a fire.  Be very aware of your surroundings, follow warning signs, and pay particular attention to potential safety hazards such as unstable terrain, falling or rolling debris, displaced wildlife, burned stump holes and root chambers, dead and hazard trees, and debris flows. Hotspots and root chambers can burn underground for months with no sign above ground and falling trees can happen with little to no warning.

Park visitors are also reminded that all motor vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles, may only be operated on authorized park roads within LRNRA.  Off-roading is not allowed anywhere at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area. Those found to be driving off road may receive a federal violation notice, have their vehicle confiscated and be held liable for all costs relating to the response, assessment and restoration of the area of their damage.

At this time there will be increased agency presence in the area of the Hart Road Fire while staff assess and manage the effects of the fire.