With national firefighting resources already stretched to their limits and fire danger elevated across the region, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is reminding the public that statewide fire restrictions remain in effect on all BLM-managed public lands in Oregon and Washington for the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Violations carry serious penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment.

What the Restrictions Prohibit

Under the current fire restrictions, the following activities are prohibited on BLM lands in Oregon and Washington:

  • Campfires, charcoal grills, and open burning of any kind
  • The use of fireworks, including those marketed as "safe and sane"
  • Smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or in a designated smoking area
  • Using or possessing tools that may produce a spark — such as chainsaws — without a valid fire watch protocol in place
  • Welding or operating acetylene or other torch equipment in vegetated areas

Fireworks Banned on Federal and State Forest Lands

Beyond BLM restrictions, the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has emphasized that fireworks are prohibited in state parks, on ocean beaches, and on all federal and state forest lands statewide. Similar restrictions are in effect across Washington state lands. Both the Oregon Department of Forestry and Washington DNR have issued Level 2 or higher fire restrictions across large swaths of Eastern Oregon and Eastern Washington.

Why This Year Is Different

Fire officials stress that the 2026 season is not a typical July 4th situation. The National Preparedness Level is at PL 4 — meaning resources that would normally be available to respond to a new fire started by a firework or campfire ember may already be committed elsewhere. A single human-caused ignition under current conditions could spread into a large fire before it can be contained.

"We are asking people to celebrate responsibly this weekend," said a BLM spokesperson. "Attend a public fireworks display put on by a professional crew. Leave your personal fireworks at home. One fire in the wrong place could cost lives — and we're already doing everything we can to protect communities from the fires already burning."

Penalties for Violations

Violations of federal fire restrictions on BLM lands can result in fines of up to $5,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment. Those who start a wildfire through negligence may also be held civilly liable for suppression costs, which can reach millions of dollars for a large fire.

To look up specific restrictions for a BLM district near you, visit blm.gov. For Oregon State Parks restrictions, visit stateparks.oregon.gov. Report wildfires immediately by calling 911.