A fire burning in eastern Lane County has forced the state to close most of a scenic highway over McKenzie Pass.

Oregon Department of Transportation officials announced Tuesday morning that Oregon Highway 242 will be closed between mileposts 55 and 76 until further notice.

The stretch runs from the highway’s intersection with Oregon Highway 126 to near the Lane/Deschutes county line.

Conditions have also prompted the Lane County Sheriff’s Office to issue a Level 2 (Be Set) warning for homes along the closed road.

People living along the highway’s Lane County portion are advised to be prepared to leave at a moment's notice, and those with a disability should consider leaving immediately.

Officials say the closure will allow crews to more safely work on a contingency fireline to contain

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