BLM Statewide Fire Restrictions in Effect Across Oregon and Washington as Fire Danger Reaches Critical Levels

The Bureau of Land Management has fire restrictions in effect on all public lands throughout Oregon and Washington, and is urging visitors, recreationists, and outdoor workers to be acutely aware of all active restrictions and closures as summer fire conditions take hold across the Pacific Northwest. Fire danger ratings range from High to EXTREME across the region's fire-prone areas east of the Cascades.

What the Restrictions Prohibit

The BLM's statewide restrictions for Oregon and Washington cover all BLM-managed public lands and apply to a range of activities that could cause ignition. Under the current restrictions, the following are prohibited:

Recreational campfires, including those in fire rings at campgrounds
Charcoal and wood-burning fires of any kind
Fire pits and backyard burn barrels on or adjacent to BLM land
Agricultural burning, including pile burning and field burning on adjacent private lands where fire could spread to BLM property
Fireworks and exploding targets
Smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building

Many counties and local jurisdictions in Oregon and Washington have implemented additional restrictions beyond the BLM's statewide orders. Visitors should check with their county government, the Oregon Department of Forestry, Washington DNR, and local USFS ranger districts before engaging in any activity that could cause ignition.

Central Oregon at EXTREME Danger

The Central Oregon Fire Information consortium — which coordinates fire information for the public lands around Bend, Sisters, and Redmond — has elevated the fire danger rating to EXTREME, the highest classification on the scale. This declaration applies to all Central Oregon federal lands managed by the Deschutes National Forest, the Ochoco National Forest, Crooked River National Grassland, and the BLM's Prineville District.

EXTREME fire danger means that fires will start easily, spread rapidly, and resist control. Even small ignitions in EXTREME conditions can become significant incidents within minutes. Fire managers note that the combination of cured grasses, drought-stressed timber, and afternoon westerly winds creates conditions where an escaped campfire or a thrown cigarette could ignite a fire threatening homes and communities.

Eastern Oregon and Washington Fire Restrictions

Beyond Central Oregon, fire restrictions are in place or being actively monitored across a wide swath of the Pacific Northwest:

Eastern Oregon: Most USFS ranger districts in the Blue Mountains, Wallowa-Whitman, and Fremont-Winema national forests are at Stage 1 or Stage 2 fire restrictions. The ODF's Eastern Oregon fire protection districts have also issued burning bans.
Eastern Washington: Active large fires in Grant, Douglas, and Okanogan counties reflect the dangerous conditions across the Columbia Basin and Okanogan Highlands. Fire restrictions cover most public lands in these areas.
Idaho: The Salmon and Nez Perce-Clearwater national forests, where the Shingle Creek Fire is active, are under fire restrictions as well.

Campfire Alternatives and Tips

Fire restrictions do not mean the end of camping and outdoor enjoyment — they simply require adaptation. Here are some ways to enjoy the outdoors safely during periods of high fire danger:

Use a camp stove with a self-contained fuel source (propane, butane, or isobutane) — these are permitted under most fire restriction orders.
Bring a battery-powered or solar lantern instead of relying on a fire for light and atmosphere.
Plan for cooking at lower elevations or in established campgrounds with fire facilities that may have exemptions (check with the managing agency first).
Embrace no-trace camping in dispersed areas — fires are often not appropriate in these settings even when restrictions are not in place.

Reporting Violations

Campfire restriction violations on BLM lands can result in fines of up to $5,000 and potential liability for suppression costs if a fire results. Residents and visitors who witness restriction violations or spot new fires should call 911 or the BLM Fire Reporting line. On federal lands in Oregon, the Oregon Department of Forestry also accepts fire reports at 1-800-452-5664.