Wildlife Areas Closed Because Of Fire Threat

Extreme fire danger has prompted the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to close major portions of the L.T. Murray and Oak Creek Wildlife areas from June 30 through July 5.

An estimated 80,000 acres of department-owned land stretching from the community of Selah north to the Umtanum/Wenas road near Ellensburg will be closed to the public, according to WDFW Sgt. Bill Essman.

The property, which is extremely popular with recreationists ranging from river rafters to anglers, has been closed over the Fourth of July holiday the past 10 years or so because of fire danger, Essman said.