Pacific Northwest Wildfire Coordinating Group

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News Release

Fire Safety On Public Lands: BLM Warns Of Severe Weekend Weather Conditions - 07/31/26

PORTLAND, Ore. – Fire restrictions remain in effect on all Bureau of Land Management public lands in Oregon and Washington. BLM officials urge visitors to research additional restrictions and closures for places they plan to recreate this weekend, as the National Weather Service has issued a “Particularly Dangerous Situation” Red Flag Warning for Saturday afternoon and evening. This rare warning signals exceptionally hazardous fire weather conditions across central and eastern Washington

 

“We need everyone to work together and take appropriate precautions,” said Kim Prill, acting BLM Oregon/Washington State Director. "Every wildfire that is prevented helps protect lives, communities and the public lands we all value.”

 

Much of the region is forecast to experience high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds. These critical fire weather conditions can allow new fires to start easily and spread rapidly.

 

"As fire danger remains high, we ask everyone to stay informed, follow local restrictions and make fire-safe decisions every time they head outdoors," Prill continued.

 

The BLM, in close coordination with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service and federal, state, and local partners, is aligning operations and sharing resources to ensure the strongest possible response to wildfire activity.

 

“When people follow fire restrictions and recreate responsibly, firefighters can focus their efforts where they're needed most and respond more effectively to new incidents,” said Josh O'Connor, Northwest Geographic Area Fire Chief for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service. 

 

Safety Recommendations:

  • Use extreme caution with any ignition sources
  • Stay alert to the forecast and follow instructions from emergency officials
  • Make fire-safe decisions every time you head outdoors
  • Review and follow all fire restrictions and prevention requirements

 

The BLM and U.S. Wildland Fire Service remind everyone:

 

A PDS Red Flag Warning is not routine; it requires immediate attention and proactive safety actions. By working together, we can protect lives, communities, and the public lands we all value.

 

Individuals responsible for starting wildfires may face fines of up to $100,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, and liability for the full cost of wildfire suppression.

 

For more information on seasonal fire restrictions and fire closures, please see www.blm.gov/orwafire.

 

-BLM-

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
 

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service conducts operations in close coordination with the Bureau of Land Management. As a unified federal entity under the Department of the Interior, the USWFS integrates expertise to streamline wildfire prevention, response and recovery under our shared mission to foster fire-resilient landscapes and safeguard communities across America’s public lands.

Fire Safety On Public Lands: BLM Warns Of Severe Weekend Weather Conditions - 07/31/26

PORTLAND, Ore. – Fire restrictions remain in effect on all Bureau of Land Management public lands in Oregon and Washington. BLM officials urge visitors to research additional restrictions and closures for places they plan to recreate this weekend, as the National Weather Service has issued a “Particularly Dangerous Situation” Red Flag Warning for Saturday afternoon and evening. This rare warning signals exceptionally hazardous fire weather conditions across central and eastern Washington

 

“We need everyone to work together and take appropriate precautions,” said Kim Prill, acting BLM Oregon/Washington State Director. "Every wildfire that is prevented helps protect lives, communities and the public lands we all value.”

 

Much of the region is forecast to experience high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds. These critical fire weather conditions can allow new fires to start easily and spread rapidly.

 

"As fire danger remains high, we ask everyone to stay informed, follow local restrictions and make fire-safe decisions every time they head outdoors," Prill continued.

 

The BLM, in close coordination with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service and federal, state, and local partners, is aligning operations and sharing resources to ensure the strongest possible response to wildfire activity.

 

“When people follow fire restrictions and recreate responsibly, firefighters can focus their efforts where they're needed most and respond more effectively to new incidents,” said Josh O'Connor, Northwest Geographic Area Fire Chief for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service. 

 

Safety Recommendations:

  • Use extreme caution with any ignition sources
  • Stay alert to the forecast and follow instructions from emergency officials
  • Make fire-safe decisions every time you head outdoors
  • Review and follow all fire restrictions and prevention requirements

 

The BLM and U.S. Wildland Fire Service remind everyone:

 

A PDS Red Flag Warning is not routine; it requires immediate attention and proactive safety actions. By working together, we can protect lives, communities, and the public lands we all value.

 

Individuals responsible for starting wildfires may face fines of up to $100,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, and liability for the full cost of wildfire suppression.

 

For more information on seasonal fire restrictions and fire closures, please see www.blm.gov/orwafire.

 

-BLM-

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
 

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service conducts operations in close coordination with the Bureau of Land Management. As a unified federal entity under the Department of the Interior, the USWFS integrates expertise to streamline wildfire prevention, response and recovery under our shared mission to foster fire-resilient landscapes and safeguard communities across America’s public lands.