15 miles of 242 closes due to fire

In an abundance of caution, ODOT announced Friday that it was closing 15 miles of the 82-mile McKenzie-Santiam Scenic Byway (Highway 242) between mile posts 61 and 76 due to activity from the Lookout Fire that so far has consumed over 6,000 acres.

The closure is 14 miles west of Sisters. The popular Dee Wight Observatory at mile post 77.5 remains open. ODOT’s decision was not based on the threat of actual fire reaching the iconic highway. Rather it was the concern that smoke would affect visibility on the windy road and lead to accidents.

Traffic on 242 has been diminished with conditions caused by five fires burning in the Willamette National Forest. The always popular motorcycle and bicycle route has seen a noticeable drop in traffic.

Jodie Barram, public information officer for Northwest Incident Management Team 6, told media the highway closure is in place until further notice and in coordination with the Lane and Linn county sheriff’s offices, the Willamette National Forest and officials with the incident management team and Oregon State Fire Marshal Team.

“The fire is not that close,” Barram said. “With the evacuation level changes around popular recreation destinations yesterday and today, a Red Flag Warning for the area from 11 a.m. Saturday through 9 p.m. Sunday, and an active wildfire creating significant smoke impacts, you can understand the hazards that it creates for such a winding and (usually) scenic highway.”

Drivers should check with tripcheck.com for updated information before using the road.