PORTLAND, Ore. – Fire restrictions remain in effect on all Bureau of Land Management public lands in Oregon and Washington as the region continues through a record setting wildfire season. More than 2.5 million acres have already burned across the Northwest. BLM officials are calling on all public land visitors to exercise extreme caution, follow fire restrictions and closures, and help prevent additional wildfires.

“As National Shooting Sports Month draws to a close and we make our way into hunting season, we especially want to thank hunters for being responsible stewards of public lands,” said Kyle Hensley, Prineville District Manager for the BLM. "Hunting season and wildfire season overlap in the Pacific Northwest, and we can all work together to keep each other, and our shared public lands, safe.”

Specific fire restrictions vary by location based on fire danger, weather conditions, and fuel moisture. These restrictions address what types of ammunition can be used, whether campfires are allowed, and what fire prevention equipment is required. Before visiting public lands, all recreators should check local restrictions and closures.

Over 99% of BLM lands nationwide are open to recreation. Land managers put restrictions and closures in place only when and where necessary to protect public safety.

"Please follow local restrictions to the letter," said Jeff Fedrizzi, Assistant Chief of Operations for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service Pacific Northwest Geographic Area. "Preventing even one human-caused wildfire makes a difference for our firefighters and our communities."

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.