BLM fire restrictions now in effect for Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties

SPOKANE — New fire restrictions are now in effect on public lands in Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties as federal land managers respond to heightened wildfire risk during Eastern Washington’s peak fire season.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) implemented the restrictions beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 4. The measures apply to all BLM- and BOR-managed lands within the three counties and are part of a broader fire prevention effort across 19 counties in the region.

“Know Before You Go and be prepared before visiting your public lands this summer,” said Lonnie Newton, Fire Management Officer for the BLM Spokane District. “Pack a shovel and fire extinguisher and follow BLM’s fire restriction orders to help prevent fires.”

The following activities are prohibited under the order:

• All campfires and open flames, including charcoal briquettes.
  
  
• Discharging firearms, except while engaged in lawful hunting under state, federal, or tribal law. Recreational shooters are encouraged to visit wheretoshoot.org for alternative locations.
  
  
• Smoking, except in areas at least three feet in diameter that are free of all flammable vegetation.
  
  
• Driving or parking motorized vehicles, including ATVs and motorcycles, off-road or on vegetation. Only roadways clear of dry fuels may be used.
  
  
• Fireworks, which remain permanently prohibited on all public lands.
  
  

BLM officials are emphasizing the consequences of noncompliance. Violations may result in fines of up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment for up to one year. Individuals responsible for causing a wildfire may also be held liable for fire suppression costs and damages.

The restrictions are intended to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires at a time when dry grass, wind, and heat create volatile fire conditions in North Central Washington.

The BLM manages approximately 245 million acres of public land across the western United States, including nearly 700 million acres of subsurface mineral estate. Its mission is “to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.”

Additional resources are available at www.blm.gov/oregon-washington.