Akawa Butte & Round Butte Fires Emergency Closure Order - Crooked River National Grassland

Akawa Butte Fire Closure Order

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on National Forest System lands, roads and trails within the following described area on the Ochoco National Forest, Crooked River National Grassland, as described in the attached Exhibit A. This order will become effective August 19, 2026 through December 31, 2026, unless rescinded sooner. This order rescinds Forest Order 06-07-05-26-01 and reduces the amount of area closure now that the Akawa Butte Fire has reached an appropriate level of containment and threats to public safety have decreased.

PROHIBITIONS:

1. Going onto or being within an area closed for public health and safety. 36 CFR § 261.53 (e)
2. Being upon a closed road. 36 CFR § 261.54 (e)
3. Being on a closed trail. 36 CFR § 261.55 (a)

The area described below will be closed to public access/entry due to hazards and hazardous conditions created as a result of the Akawa Butte Fire.

AFFECTED AREA/CLOSURE AREA:
The following area of the Forest is closed to motorized vehicles and recreation:
All Crooked River National Grassland administered land inside the fire perimeter. The closure areas occur in:

• T13S, R11E, Sections 32, 20, 21, 16, 09, 10, 04, 03
• T12S, R11E, Section 34

This closure does not affect SW Geneva Rd.

Refer to the below map (Exhibit A).

EXEMPTIONS
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 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 or Order) specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.
2. Any Federal, State or Local Officer or member of an organized firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
3. Owners or lessees of land in the affected area.

This prohibition is in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A.

Violations of this prohibition are 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 6 months, or both (16 USC § 551; 18 USC §§ 3551, 3559, 3571, and 3581).

Executed in Prineville, Oregon this 18th day of August, 2026.

Round Butte Fire Closure Order

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on National Forest System lands, roads and trails within the following described area on the Ochoco National Forest, Crooked River National Grassland, as described in the attached Exhibit A. This order will become effective August 19, 2026 through December 31, 2026, unless rescinded sooner. This order rescinds Forest Order 06-07-05-26-02 and reduces the amount of area closure now that the Round Butte and Bench Fires have reached an appropriate level of containment and threats to public safety have decreased.

PROHIBITIONS:

1. Going onto or being within an area closed for public health and safety. 36 CFR § 261.53 (e)
2. Being upon a closed road. 36 CFR § 261.54 (e)
3. Being on a closed trail. 36 CFR § 261.55 (a)

The area described below will be closed to public access/entry due to hazards and hazardous conditions created as a result of the Round Butte Fire.

AFFECTED AREA/CLOSURE AREA:
The following area of the Forest is closed to motorized vehicles and recreation:

All Crooked River National Grassland administered land inside the fire perimeter. The closure areas occur in:

• T11S, R13E, Sections 17, 18, 19, 20.

This closure does not affect Elbe Drive, however the federal land inside the fire perimeter is closed to the public.

Refer to the below map (Exhibit A).

EXEMPTIONS
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 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 or Order) specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.
2. Any Federal, State or Local Officer or member of an organized firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
3. Owners or lessees of land in the affected area.
   This prohibition is in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A.

Violations of this prohibition are 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 6 months, or both (16 USC § 551; 18 USC §§ 3551, 3559, 3571, and 3581).

Executed in Prineville, Oregon this 18th day of August, 2026.