Second Flat Fire Reduced Area Closure

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50(a) and (b), the following prohibitions are established within the Emigrant Creek Ranger District of the Malheur National Forest, specifically within the description below and shown on Exhibit A. This order is effective August 6, 2026, through December 31, 2026, unless rescinded sooner.

This order replaces and rescinds prior Forest Order:  06-04-02-26-15 Emergency Closure – Second Flat Fire - Two

Prohibitions

1. Entering into or being upon an area closed for the protection of public health and safety. 36 CFR § 261.53(e).
2. Being on a National Forest System Road. 36 CFR § 261.54 (c) and (e).
3. Being on a National Forest System Trail.  36 CFR § 261.55 (a)
4. Use of vehicles off National Forest System Roads. 36 CFR § 261.56

AREA DESCRIPTION AFFECTED BY THIS ORDER

Second Flat Fire Reduced Area Closure

See attached map Exhibit A, displaying the places where this Order applies—the location is as follows: 

Closure area consists of all geographical areas on Forest Service land within boundaries of the following description: Starting at the junction of Forest Service Road (FSR)-43 and the National Forest System (NFS) boundary at T. 20 S, R. 28 E, Sec. 29 follow FSR-43 northwest until the junction with FSR 4330 at T.20 S, R. 28 E, Sec. 19 continuing west to the junction with FSR-4332 at T. 20 S, R. 27 E, Sec. 24, continuing north on FSR-4332 to the junction with FSR 4334 at T. 20S, R. 27 E, Sec. 14 continuing north to the junction with FSR-4340 at T. 19 S, R. 27 E, Sec 34 continuing west along FSR-4340 to the intersection with FSR-41 at T. 20 S, R. 27 E., Sec. 7, continuing west on FSR-41 to the junction with FSR-4150 at T. 20 S, R. 26E, Sec. 12, following FSR-4150 southwest to the intersection of FSR-4150 and the NFS boundary at T. 21 S, R. 26 E, Sec. 4, following the NFS boundary east to the point of origin.

All roads bordering the closure area and County Road 127 in T. 22 S, R. 28 E, Sections 17 and 20 will remain open to thru-traffic and are not impacted by this closure.

Recreation sites within the closure boundary are closed to public including but not limited to: Pine Springs Overlook.

Exemptions

Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this order:

1. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation Order), specifically exempting them from this Order.
2. Any Federal, State, or local official or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A.

PURPOSE:

This closure is necessary to provide protection for forest users, firefighting personnel and natural resources from the current fire hazards associated with existing and predicted wildfire activity 

Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3551, 3571, and 3581.

Executed on the 6th day of August 2026.

 Ann Niesen

Forest Supervisor

Malheur National Forest