The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Wildland Fire Service will implement fire restrictions on all BLM-administered lands throughout Oregon and Washington beginning Wednesday, May 14, 2026. The restrictions are designed to reduce the risk of human-caused fires as warmer, drier conditions take hold across the Pacific Northwest.

What Is Prohibited

Starting May 14, the following are prohibited on all BLM lands in Oregon and Washington:

  • Fireworks of any kind
  • Exploding targets or metallic targets
  • Steel-component ammunition (core or jacket)
  • Tracer or incendiary devices
  • Sky lanterns

Additional restrictions may apply in specific areas. Visitors are urged to check active restrictions and closures before heading out at blm.gov/programs/fire/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions.

Why Now

"We are increasingly concerned that 2026 could rival the most extreme years on record for heat and dryness in the Pacific Northwest," said Jeff Fedrizzi, Assistant Chief of Operations for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service in the Pacific Northwest. "Every visitor must understand that even one small spark can lead to a costly and destructive fire in these high-impact conditions."

Oregon's snowpack this winter was roughly one-third of normal levels, and the state's winter was among the warmest on record. Drought conditions are already elevated across much of eastern Oregon and southern Idaho, with several Oregon counties under emergency drought declarations.

Consequences for Violations

The penalties for violating fire restrictions are severe. Individuals found in violation may face:

  • Fines up to $100,000
  • Imprisonment for up to 12 months
  • Liability for all fire suppression costs if found responsible for starting a wildland fire on federal land

More Restrictions Likely

These restrictions represent the first formal action of the 2026 fire season on BLM lands in the Northwest. Fire managers say additional or more stringent restrictions may follow as summer progresses and fuel moisture levels drop further. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek declared May 2026 as Wildfire Awareness Month, and state fire officials are urging residents to begin preparing their properties now.

For the latest fire restriction information, visit the BLM Oregon/Washington Fire Management page or call your local BLM field office.