HOOD RIVER, Ore. (July 16, 2025) — Due to ongoing hot and dry conditions, public use fire restrictions will be implemented on National Forest System lands in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area beginning Thursday, July 17, 2025.
All campfires, charcoal or briquette fires, pellet fires, or any other open fires are prohibited including in developed campgrounds. Portable cooking stoves, lanterns, and heating devices using liquefied or bottled fuel, such as propane, are allowed as they can be switched off instantly.
Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a designated campground, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that cleared of all flammable material. Fireworks and other explosive devices are prohibited on national forests all year long.
When fuel moisture and weather conditions create high wildfire potential, fire restrictions are put in place to help reduce the chance of a human-caused wildfire to protect lives, homes, property, and natural resources.
“Fire season is here,” said Chris Harper, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Fire Staff Officer. “We’re asking the public to follow fire restrictions so that we can all help prevent human-caused wildfires in the Columbia Gorge. 98% of all fires in the Gorge are human caused.”
Neighboring national forests are also beginning to enact public use restrictions. Find more about restrictions and fire safety on adjacent lands:
- Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/columbiarivergorge
- Gifford Pinchot National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/giffordpinchot
- Mt. Hood National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/mthood
Check the local and regional fire outlook: https://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/predict/outlook.aspx
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