Fire restrictions are already in place across wide swaths of Oregon and Washington — implemented weeks earlier than in typical fire seasons — as agencies respond to critically dry conditions following a record-warm, low-snowpack winter.

BLM Statewide Restrictions

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Wildland Fire Service announced fire restrictions for Oregon and Washington effective May 14, 2026. The restrictions prohibit:

  • Fireworks of any type
  • Exploding targets or metallic targets
  • Steel component ammunition (including steel core or steel jacket rounds)
  • Tracer or incendiary devices
  • Sky lanterns

These restrictions apply to BLM-managed public lands across both states and are designed to eliminate high-risk ignition sources during the period when fuels are most vulnerable. Officials noted these restrictions help reduce human-caused fire starts, which account for the majority of all wildfires.

Central Oregon Campfire Bans

In an unusual early-season move, campfire restrictions were implemented at several Central Oregon federal land units ahead of Memorial Day weekend — significantly earlier than the typical mid-June to July timeframe when such bans have historically taken effect.

Restrictions are now in effect for the:

  • Deschutes National Forest
  • Ochoco National Forest
  • Prineville District BLM
  • Crooked River National Grassland

Visitors to these areas may still use fire pits in designated campgrounds, but off-road vehicle use and smoking are prohibited outside of designated areas. The early imposition of restrictions reflects the dramatically accelerated fuel drying this year compared to previous seasons.

Andy Brosius, assistant chief of operations for the Wildland Fire Service in the Pacific Northwest, cited dry conditions driven by the deficient snowpack as the primary rationale for the early restrictions.

What Recreationists Need to Know

Anyone planning outdoor activities on federal public lands in Oregon and Washington should:

  • Check current fire restrictions before traveling using campfire-restrictions.org or contacting the specific ranger district or BLM field office
  • Leave fireworks, exploding targets, and steel ammo at home — violations can result in fines and criminal charges if a fire is caused
  • Use camp stoves instead of open fires when restrictions are in place
  • Report any unattended or escaped campfires immediately by calling 911

Agencies warned that conditions across the region are primed for rapid fire spread, and even a single spark in the wrong place can quickly grow into a major incident under current drought and wind conditions.