The U.S. Forest Service Monday announced an emergency closure of the Three Sisters and Cedar Creek Falls areas due to health and safety concerns from expected high temperatures.
The closures are in effect until Thursday.
"The road and trail system leading to both Three Sisters and Cedar Creek Falls are very challenging under normal conditions, but with extreme heat, the area becomes dangerous," according to a Forest Service statement.
Emergency closure in effect for Three Sisters and Cedar Creek falls, effective today, July 23 through Thursday July 26 with an anticipated reopening date of Friday, July 27. Trail closures subject to change. Check our page for updated info: https://t.co/oCwmcKx8C7
— Cleveland NF (@ClevelandNF) July 23, 2018
Authorities typically implement emergency closures when temperatures are expected to exceed 95 degrees. Additional closures are expected throughout the remainder of the summer.
Heat stroke results in several fatalities per year in those areas, according to the Fire Service, and hundreds of people require medical aid or air rescue annually.
The Three Sisters and Cedar Creek Falls areas will be reassessed on Friday.
