U.S Forest Service officials have begun surveying the damage caused to the Terwilliger Hot Springs as a result of the Terwilliger Fire that began on August 19th.
This weekend a small team of staff from the McKenzie River Ranger District visited the springs to do critical hazard mitigation work to prevent further damage to the pools. Photos released by the Willamette National Forest show a mix of burned and green trees surrounding the pools, and charred trees and brush along the trail.
Five trees were removed as they posed the most imminent danger of falling and further damaging the the springs and the rock work around them. Additional hazard trees around the hot springs will likely need to be removed in the coming months.
The hot springs area located 55 miles east of Eugene/Springfield remains closed. Road 19, the Aufderheide Scenic Byway, is also closed to the public due to unsafe conditions from falling rocks, debris, and fire weakened trees. The public is asked to respect the road and area closure for their own protection, as well as that of firefighters.
The Terwilliger Fire has burned 11,082 acres and is 75% contained. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
