September 9, 2022 3:50 a.m.

Due to elevated wildfire conditions, Pacific Power is performing a Public Safety Power Shutoff in certain areas around the Umpqua National Forest, including the Diamond Lake area.

The shutoff could last through Sunday morning.

Chris Bentley of the UNF said it is an effort to prevent a fast-moving, hard to fight wildfire. It is only being used as an absolute necessity to ensure community safety.

Bentley said impacts could include water systems at forest campgrounds, including wastewater and drinking water. Some campgrounds in the Diamond Lake area will have limited or no access to drinking water with potential access to shower facilities or flush toilets at more developed campgrounds.

Broken Arrow Campground and Wolf Creek Campground are closed through the weekend. The group site within Wolf Creek Campground will remain open. With the challenges to restoring water services to these two campgrounds, they may remain closed for the rest of the recreation season, reopening in 2023.

Bentley said all campers are asked to conserve water the best they can. It is recommended that campers bring a sufficient supply of their own water in case facilities are not available.

Campers should consider camping at campgrounds not affected by the power shut-off.

More forest information is at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/umpqua