PORTLAND – After a week of wildfire-related road closures, travelers across Oregon should continue to carefully plan their routes. Fires are still actively burning near many highways, causing them to close and reopen with little notice. With a long, hot summer ahead, wildfire-related disruptions are likely to continue throughout the state making some routes unreliable. (Photo – The Durkee Fire burning along I-84 in eastern Oregon on Wednesday.)
For those who must travel, try to plan a route that is far away from wildfires. Visit TripCheck.com for the latest road conditions before you start your journey. TripCheck provides live updates from our dispatch centers 24 hours a day. It is updated immediately as road conditions change.
Here are some essential tips for traveling during wildfire season:
- Use Designated Detours: Follow official detour signs and routes provided by transportation authorities. Do not follow GPS directions onto local or forest roads. These roads are often unsuitable for interstate traffic. If a highway is closed, nearby local roads are likely closed as well.
- Prepare for Power Outages: In areas affected by wildfires, power outages are common. Treat non-working traffic lights as four-way stops and be aware that roadside message boards and TripCheck cameras may be out of service.
- Carry an emergency kit: Oregon Emergency Management suggests you pack these supplies in your car before hitting the road.
- Drive Safely in Smoke: Driving in smoky conditions is like driving in heavy fog. Reduce your speed, maintain a steady pace, and stay alert. Use your headlights to improve visibility.
- Stay Home if Possible: The safest place to wait for a road to reopen is at home. Do not travel to closure points to wait because closures could last for hours or days.
For more information on current fires, visit the National Interagency Fire Center’s website.
