July 8, 2021 10:40 a.m.

Highway 138E remains closed between Steamboat and Lemolo Lake junction at least through this weekend, due to wildfire next to the roadway.

Gary Leaming from the Oregon Department of Transportation said a 14-mile stretch of the North Umpqua Highway is closed between Steamboat Creek Road and Slide Creek, because of the Jack Fire.

Leaming said the fire is burning along the steep highway corridor, destroying guardrail and signs, and causing rocks and flaming debris to fall onto the roadway.

ODOT has set up a checkpoint at Lemolo Lake junction for westbound traffic. The checkpoint allows local and recreation traffic access to the nearby areas, including Lemolo Lake.