Millions of people are expected to visit Oregon's public lands over Memorial Day weekend, but they will be doing so under a new set of rules: campfire restrictions took effect across Central Oregon public lands just days before the holiday, and fire officials are urging recreationists to know the rules before they head out.

Level 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions are now in effect on the Deschutes National Forest, Ochoco National Forest, Crooked River National Grassland, and associated Bureau of Land Management districts in Central Oregon — effective May 13, 2026. The Wildland Fire Service and BLM extended similar restrictions statewide on Oregon and Washington BLM lands the following day, May 14.

What Is and Is Not Allowed

Under Stage 1 restrictions, the following are prohibited outside of developed sites with permanent fire infrastructure:

  • Wood campfires of any kind
  • Charcoal briquette fires
  • Portable propane campfire devices
  • Wood pellet burning devices
  • Any open flame not enclosed within an approved stove or device

Gas-canister camp stoves with an on/off switch are generally still permitted under Stage 1 restrictions. Developed campgrounds with established fire rings may allow campfires in some cases — visitors should confirm with the specific campground or ranger district before their trip.

Why the Early Restrictions?

Fire management officials point to an unusually early fuel drying cycle driven by record low snowpack and a warm, dry spring. Grass and shrub fuels that would normally still be green and moist in late May are already at summer-level dryness across much of Central and Eastern Oregon, creating conditions where a small ignition can rapidly escalate.

Memorial Day weekend consistently ranks as one of the highest-risk periods for human-caused wildfires in Oregon. Across the state, human activities including recreational campfires, improperly disposed smoking materials, and debris burning account for approximately 20 percent of all wildfires — a figure that spikes dramatically during holiday weekends when backcountry use surges.

Preparedness Beyond Campfires

The Fire Help Center and Oregon Department of Forestry are also urging families heading outdoors this weekend to have a wildfire action plan in place. Key preparedness steps include:

  • Know your evacuation routes before you need them
  • Sign up for local emergency alerts through your county’s emergency management office
  • If camping, know what Level 1, 2, and 3 evacuation notices mean and how they will be communicated
  • Keep a go bag ready with essential documents, medications, and supplies
  • Avoid parking on dry grass — vehicle-caused fires are a significant ignition source during holiday weekends

Where to Check Current Restrictions

Fire restrictions can change rapidly based on weather and fuel conditions. Before visiting any public land in Oregon, Washington, or Idaho this weekend:

  • Check the Deschutes National Forest fire restrictions page at fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes
  • Use the national fire restrictions map at usfs.maps.arcgis.com
  • Call the local ranger district or BLM field office for the most current information
  • Monitor Central Oregon Fire Information at centraloregonfire.org for local updates

Violations of fire restrictions on federal lands carry penalties of up to $5,000 in fines and potential imprisonment. Individuals found responsible for starting a wildfire may also face civil liability for suppression costs, which can reach into the millions of dollars for large fires.