PORTLAND, Ore. – As Labor Day weekend approaches, the Bureau of Land Management is reminding visitors that wildfire season is far from over across Oregon and Washington.

More than 2.5 million acres have already burned across the Northwest this year, making 2026 an exceptionally active wildfire season. While temperatures may begin to cool and some areas may receive rain, fuels can remain dry and fire danger can change quickly. September can also bring periods of warm, dry and windy weather that increase the potential for rapid fire growth.

“Labor Day can feel like the end of summer, but it is not necessarily the end of fire season,” said Todd Forbes, acting BLM Oregon/Washington Associate State Director. “We are asking visitors to keep fire prevention in mind as they enjoy public lands this weekend. Conditions can change quickly, and one careless spark can have consequences for communities, wildlife, natural resources, and firefighters.”

The BLM has recently adjusted some closures and restrictions as local conditions change, allowing more opportunities for people to visit public lands. However, fire restrictions remain in effect across BLM-administered lands in Oregon and Washington, and additional local restrictions or closures may apply. Restrictions vary by location based on fire danger, weather, and fuel conditions. Before traveling, visitors should check the latest information for the specific BLM District or recreation area they plan to visit.

“The best wildfire is the one that never starts,” said Josh O’Connor, Northwest Geographic Area Fire Chief for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service. “This Labor Day weekend, we’re asking visitors to know the restrictions, understand the conditions and do their part to prevent human-caused fires.”

The following items remain prohibited on all BLM-administered public lands in Oregon and Washington:

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

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The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. 
 

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service conducts operations in close coordination with the Bureau of Land Management. As a unified federal entity under the Department of the Interior, the USWFS integrates expertise to streamline wildfire prevention, response and recovery under our shared mission to foster fire-resilient landscapes and safeguard communities across America’s public lands.