Bureau of Land Management Ore. & Wash.

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News Release

Check Air Quality And Closures Before Visiting Public Lands, BLM Warns - 08/06/26

PORTLAND, Ore. – Fire restrictions remain in effect on all Bureau of Land Management public lands in Oregon and Washington. As wildfire activity continues to impact the region, BLM officials urge visitors to check on additional restrictions and closures and current air quality before heading outdoors.

 

Active wildfires across the Pacific Northwest continue to produce smoke that can reduce visibility and create unhealthy air quality, even far from an active fire. Recreation conditions can change quickly as new fires emerge, existing fires grow, or smoke shifts with changing winds.

 

"As wildfire smoke continues to affect communities across the region, we encourage visitors to stay informed and make decisions based on current conditions," said Kim Prill, acting BLM Oregon/Washington State Director. "Conditions can change quickly, so checking air quality and local closures before your trip can help you avoid unnecessary health and safety risks."

 

The BLM is coordinating closely with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service and federal, state and local partners to share resources, align operations, and ensure the strongest possible response to wildfire activity.

 

"Preventing a single wildfire can make a real difference for firefighters and for the communities affected by smoke,” said Josh O'Connor, Northwest Geographic Area Fire Chief for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service. “Following fire restrictions and staying aware of current air quality are simple steps everyone can take to protect themselves and help reduce additional impacts during an already busy fire season."

 

Fire restrictions vary by location based on fire danger, weather conditions and fuel moisture. Before visiting public lands, visitors should check local restrictions. These restrictions address when power tools may be used, whether campfires or portable stoves are allowed, and what fire prevention equipment must be on hand.

 

The following items remain prohibited on all BLM-administered public lands in Oregon and Washington:

  • Fireworks and sky lanterns
  • Exploding or metallic targets
  • Tracer or incendiary devices
  • Steel-core or steel-jacketed ammunition

 

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.

Check Air Quality And Closures Before Visiting Public Lands, BLM Warns - 08/06/26

PORTLAND, Ore. – Fire restrictions remain in effect on all Bureau of Land Management public lands in Oregon and Washington. As wildfire activity continues to impact the region, BLM officials urge visitors to check on additional restrictions and closures and current air quality before heading outdoors.

 

Active wildfires across the Pacific Northwest continue to produce smoke that can reduce visibility and create unhealthy air quality, even far from an active fire. Recreation conditions can change quickly as new fires emerge, existing fires grow, or smoke shifts with changing winds.

 

"As wildfire smoke continues to affect communities across the region, we encourage visitors to stay informed and make decisions based on current conditions," said Kim Prill, acting BLM Oregon/Washington State Director. "Conditions can change quickly, so checking air quality and local closures before your trip can help you avoid unnecessary health and safety risks."

 

The BLM is coordinating closely with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service and federal, state and local partners to share resources, align operations, and ensure the strongest possible response to wildfire activity.

 

"Preventing a single wildfire can make a real difference for firefighters and for the communities affected by smoke,” said Josh O'Connor, Northwest Geographic Area Fire Chief for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service. “Following fire restrictions and staying aware of current air quality are simple steps everyone can take to protect themselves and help reduce additional impacts during an already busy fire season."

 

Fire restrictions vary by location based on fire danger, weather conditions and fuel moisture. Before visiting public lands, visitors should check local restrictions. These restrictions address when power tools may be used, whether campfires or portable stoves are allowed, and what fire prevention equipment must be on hand.

 

The following items remain prohibited on all BLM-administered public lands in Oregon and Washington:

  • Fireworks and sky lanterns
  • Exploding or metallic targets
  • Tracer or incendiary devices
  • Steel-core or steel-jacketed ammunition

 

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.