The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is urging the public to be aware of statewide fire restrictions currently in effect across all BLM public lands in Oregon and Washington, with additional local restrictions layered on top in many areas. The restrictions come as fire danger reaches HIGH levels across much of the Pacific Northwest ahead of the July Fourth holiday weekend.

What the Restrictions Cover

BLM statewide fire restrictions for Oregon and Washington public lands generally prohibit:

  • Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or charcoal fire
  • Burning of trash, debris, or other materials
  • Use of explosive targets
  • Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without an approved spark arrester

Many local districts have enacted additional restrictions that address when visitors can use power tools, what kinds of camp stoves are permitted (typically pressurized liquid fuel or gas stoves with an on/off switch are still allowed), and what safety equipment must be carried.

Additional Agency Restrictions

Beyond BLM lands, multiple other agencies have moved to restrict fire-related activities:

  • Washington State DNR: Implemented a complete burn ban on all DNR-protected lands effective June 26, 2026, with fire danger at HIGH statewide
  • North Cascades National Park Service Complex: A comprehensive campfire ban for all portions of the park complex takes effect June 29, 2026
  • Douglas and Whatcom counties: Stage 1 burn bans are in effect for private lands within county jurisdiction
  • Mt. Hood National Forest: Fire restrictions in place — check fs.usda.gov for current status
  • Central Oregon public lands: Restrictions are in effect across Deschutes, Ochoco, Fremont-Winema, and other national forests — visit centraloregonfire.org for details

A Critical July Fourth Warning

With the July Fourth holiday just days away, fire officials are issuing strong warnings against the use of fireworks anywhere near public lands, dry grass, or forested areas. Fireworks — including those marketed as "safe and sane" — remain a significant source of human-caused wildfire ignitions every year in the Pacific Northwest.

Utah's experience with the Cottonwood Fire — now the nation's largest active wildfire at over 92,000 acres — serves as a stark reminder of how quickly fires can grow under current drought and wind conditions. Utah has already moved to restrict fireworks statewide.

Check Before You Go

Regulations vary by land management agency and district. Before heading to public lands, check:

  • InciWeb: inciweb.wildfire.gov
  • AirNow: airnow.gov
  • USFS FireRestrictions: firerestrictions.us
  • Washington DNR: dnr.wa.gov
  • Oregon Department of Forestry: oregon.gov/ODF