The U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Wildland Fire Service have put fire prevention restrictions into effect across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, tightening the rules on public lands as fire managers warn that 2026 could rival the most extreme wildfire years on record in the Pacific Northwest.

Oregon and Washington Restrictions

Fire restrictions for BLM-managed lands in Oregon and Washington took effect on May 14 and will remain in place through October 31. Under the order, the following are prohibited on all BLM-managed public lands in the two states:

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

Violations of the order can result in fines of up to $100,000 and imprisonment of up to one year. Individuals found responsible for starting a wildland fire on federal land can also be billed for the full cost of fire suppression efforts.

“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, Wildland Fire Service Assistant Chief of Operations for the Pacific Northwest. “Every visitor must understand that one small spark can lead to a costly and destructive fire in these high-impact conditions.”

Idaho Restrictions

BLM Idaho issued its annual fire prevention order separately, effective May 10 through October 20. The Idaho order similarly prohibits fireworks, exploding targets, tracer and steel component ammunition, and shooting at steel or ferrous targets on BLM-managed lands statewide.

Target shooters are advised to keep a shovel, fire extinguisher, and at least five gallons of water on hand in case of an accidental ignition. The order also urges people to avoid target shooting during hot, dry, or windy conditions.

In 2025, the number of wildfire ignitions in BLM’s Boise District reached 135% of the 10-year average, a troubling benchmark as agencies head into 2026.

Why Now

Agencies are moving quickly because an unusually dry spring has left fuel moisture levels critically low across large portions of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Washington declared a statewide drought in April following a winter with record low snowpack — with snowmelt occurring roughly a month earlier than normal. The Climate Prediction Center is forecasting below-normal precipitation across the Northwest through May and June.

On average, 85% of wildfires each year are caused by human activity, according to BLM. Most are accidental but preventable. Activities like driving vehicles through dry grass, improperly discarding cigarettes, running equipment without spark arrestors, and off-road driving on hot days can all result in catastrophic ignitions.

What You Can Do

In addition to complying with fire restrictions, land management agencies are urging the public to take these steps when visiting public lands:

  • Check and secure trailer chains to prevent dragging sparks
  • Maintain vehicle tires to avoid blowouts that can cause sparks
  • Clear campfire areas to bare soil; never leave a fire unattended
  • Drown campfires completely with water, stir the ashes, then drown again
  • Report smoke or fire immediately by calling 911

Current fire restriction information for federal lands in Oregon and Washington is available through local BLM field offices and at blm.gov.