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Temporary Public Use Fire Restrictions
Due to hot and dry conditions, public use fire restrictions will be implemented on National Forest Lands within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area beginning Thursday, July 17, 2025.
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a) and (b), the following special restrictions and prohibitions are established on all National Forest System lands within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, within the States of Oregon and Washington. This Order becomes effective on July 17, 2025, and will remain in effect through November 1, 2025, unless rescinded sooner.
Alert Start Date: July 17, 2025
Alert End Date: N/A
Order Number: 06-22-01-25-01
Associated Documents
Forest Order
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a) and (b), the following special restrictions and prohibitions are established on all National Forest System lands within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, within the States of Oregon and Washington. This Order becomes effective on July 17, 2025, and will remain in effect through November 1, 2025, unless rescinded sooner.
PROHIBITIONS:
1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including a charcoal fire and pellet fire, on all National Forest System land within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, including developed campgrounds. 36 CFR § 261.52(a).
2. Using an explosive. 36 CFR § 261.52(b).
3. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a designated campground, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material. 36 CFR § 261.52(d).
4. Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame. 36 CFR § 261.52(h).
5. Possessing or using a motor vehicle off National Forest System roads. 36 CFR §261.56, EXCEPT in those areas designated as open on the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.13.
CLOSURE AREA: All National Forest System lands, roads, and trail within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
EXEMPTIONS:
Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50(e), the following are exempt from this order:
1. Persons with a Forest Service permit specifically authorizing the prohibited act or omission. ‘Person’ means natural person, corporation, company, partnership, trust, firm, or association of persons. ‘Permit’ means authorization in writing by a Forest Officer. ‘Forest Officer’ means an employee of the Forest Service.
2. Any Federal, State or Local Officer or member of an organized firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
3. Petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices that can be turned off.
This prohibition is in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A.
Violations of this prohibition are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both (16 USC § 551; 18 USC §§ 3551, 3559, 3571, and 3581).