The purpose of this Order is to provide public and firefighter safety for the Tunnel Fire.
Order Number: # 04-15-26-302
U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service
Caribou-Targhee National Forest
Ashton/Island Park Ranger District
Tunnel Fire Closure
PROHIBITIONS
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a) and (b), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands and trails in the Ashton/Island Park Ranger District, Caribou-Targhee National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “Described Area”):
- Going into or being upon the Described Area. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(e).
EXEMPTIONS
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
- Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).
- Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
DESCRIBED AREA
The area immediately North and adjacent to FS Trail 001 from the fence on the West side of the Railroad Tunnel to the fence on the East side of the Railroad Tunnel. The described area includes the area between the fences and uphill of the trail for 300 yards encompassing the tunnel and area around it. Note: FS Trail 001 will remain open.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Order is to provide public and firefighter safety due to the Tunnel Fire.
IMPLEMENTATION
- This Order shall be in effect from May 8th, 2026, at 1200 through October 30, 2026, at 1200, unless rescinded.
- A map identifying the Described Area is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/caribou-targhee/alerts.
- Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions.
- A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C.§§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
- Contact the Ashton/Island Park Ranger District in Ashton, ID, (208) 652-7442, and Caribou-Targhee National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Idaho Falls, ID, (208) 557-5900, for more information about this Order.
- This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same Described Area.
Signed and issued on May 8, 2026.
Digitally signed by KIMBERLY
KIMBERLY PIERSON
Date: 2026.05.26 15:36:53 -06'00'
Camp Observer
