Route 138E will remain closed throughout the weekend due to the Jack fire

STEAMBOAT, Oregon – A 14 mile stretch of the North Umpqua Highway is closed between Steamboat Creek Road and Slide Creek (mile points 41-55) due to the Jack Fire blaze in Douglas County. The fire broke out on Monday afternoon, July 5. The case is still under investigation.

The fire burns along the steep highway corridor, destroying guardrails and traffic signs, and causing burning stones and debris to fall onto the pavement. Oregon 138 East between Steamboat and the Lemolo Lake junction is expected to remain closed at least over the weekend.

“We are working with our partners in public safety and firefighters on when to reopen the highway to traffic. But now is not the time, ”said Jeremiah Griffin, acting district director of ODOT.

ODOT has set up a checkpoint at the junction of Lemolo Lake for westbound traffic. The checkpoint allows local and recreational traffic access to the neighboring area, including Lake Lemolo.

The latest information on the fires can be found here.