The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Wildland Fire Service have enacted fire prevention orders across all BLM-administered lands in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, citing extreme drought conditions and mounting concern that 2026 could rival the most extreme fire years on record for the Pacific Northwest. The restrictions, which took effect May 14 in Oregon and Washington and May 10 in Idaho, will remain in place through the end of October.
What Is Prohibited
Under the fire prevention orders covering Oregon and Washington, the following are now prohibited on all BLM-managed public lands through October 31:
- Fireworks of any type
- Exploding targets and metallic targets
- Steel component ammunition (core or jacket)
- Tracer or incendiary devices
- Sky lanterns
In Idaho, the order — in effect from May 10 through October 20 — carries similar prohibitions, including restrictions on shooting at steel or ferrous targets and burning explosive materials. The order also recommends that target shooters carry a shovel, fire extinguisher, or at least five gallons of water whenever recreating on BLM land.
Penalties Are Severe
Violators of the Oregon and Washington fire prevention order can face fines of up to $100,000 and imprisonment of up to one year. Beyond criminal penalties, individuals found responsible for starting a wildland fire on federal land can be billed for all fire suppression and rehabilitation costs — bills that can run into the millions of dollars for large incidents.
Why Restrictions Are Starting Early
BLM and Wildland Fire Service officials cited an extraordinary combination of risk factors driving the unusually early implementation of fire restrictions. Jeff Fedrizzi, Wildland Fire Service Assistant Chief of Operations for the Pacific Northwest, was blunt in his warning: "We are increasingly concerned that 2026 could rival the most extreme years on record for heat and dryness in the Pacific Northwest. Every visitor must understand that one small spark can lead to a costly and destructive fire in these high-impact conditions."
In Idaho, BLM data shows that the number of wildfire ignitions in the Boise District in 2025 was already 135% of the ten-year average. On average, 85% of wildfires nationwide are caused by humans — most of them accidental, and most preventable.
Additional Campfire Restrictions in Central Oregon
Separate from the BLM-wide order, Central Oregon BLM lands have implemented enhanced campfire restrictions that go further. Under those closures — already in effect — campfires, charcoal fires, and all other open flames are prohibited. Portable propane campfires and wood pellet-burning devices are also banned in the affected areas, which cover portions of Deschutes County and surrounding BLM-managed lands.
Recreating Safely on Public Lands
Fire officials offer the following guidance for anyone heading out on BLM-managed public lands this season:
- Avoid shooting during hot, dry, or windy conditions; use non-sparking ammunition
- Secure trailer chains and check vehicle tires to prevent sparks along roadsides
- Never park vehicles on dry grass
- Know and follow all posted fire restriction signs before entering public lands
- Report smoke or fire immediately by calling 911
To verify current fire restrictions before visiting BLM lands, residents can check BLM.gov/programs/fire-and-aviation or contact local BLM field offices directly. With drought conditions expected to persist and temperatures forecast to climb well above normal this summer, fire managers say strict compliance with these orders is more critical than ever.