December 30, 2020 9:30 a.m.

A U.S. Forest Service road is closed in the Thielsen Fire area and the public is being asked to avoid the area.

Mark Turney of the Umpqua National Forest said contractors are currently actively felling and removing hazard trees from the 4792 Road System. This is being done to help with recovery from this year’s wildfires. Turney said the road is officially closed while this is taking place.

Turney said staff know this is a popular snowmobile route and play area. He said they are anxious to complete the necessary safety work and make the recreation opportunity available to the public once again. A release said public use during active hazard tree felling creates a serious safety risk and impedes the progress of the project.

Turney said if work continues at its current pace, staff hopes to be able to reopen the area by the middle of January.