May 13, 2026 3:30 a.m.  

On Thursday, fire restrictions will go into effect for all Bureau of Land Management administered lands throughout Oregon and Washington.

The BLM and the U.S. Wildland Fire Service leaders encourage all visitors to be aware of active restrictions and closures as warmer, drier weather sets in around the Pacific Northwest.

A release said the fire restrictions help reduce the risk of human-caused fires. Starting Thursday, the use of fireworks, exploding targets or metallic targets, steel component ammunition, tracer or incendiary devices and sky lanterns is prohibited.

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

The release said people who violate the prohibition may be fined up to $100,000 and/or imprisoned for up to 12 months. In addition, those found responsible for starting wildland fires on federal lands can be billed for the cost of fire suppression.

For more information on seasonal fire restrictions and fire closures, go to  www.blm.gov/orwafire.