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Fire Restrictions in Effect July 1
Fire restrictions will be implemented across Mt. Hood National Forest beginning Wednesday, July 1.
All campfires, charcoal or briquette fires, pellet fires, or any other open fires are prohibited per Forest Order across the entire Forest, including in developed campgrounds. Read the Forest Order 06-06-00-26-03 for full details. This includes both developed campgrounds and dispersed camping.
Propane portable firepits and camp stoves are still allowed, as they can be instantly turned off.
Alert Start Date: July 1, 2026
Alert End Date: October 31, 2026
Order Number: 06-06-00-26-03
Contact Information
Contact Number: (503) 668-1700
Contact Email: SM.FS.R6MtHoodInfo@usda.gov
Associated Documents
Forest Order
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on all National Forest System Lands within the Mount Hood National Forest. This Order is effective from 07/01/2026 12:01 am, through 10/31/2026, unless rescinded.
PROHIBITION AREA DESCRIPTION:
These prohibitions apply to all lands throughout the entirety of the Mt Hood National Forest.
The Closure Area is shown on the attached map, Exhibit A
PROHIBITIONS enacted by this order:
Campfires: Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, cook stove; including solid fuel, charcoal briquette, gas/jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel or propane fire is prohibited. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a).
Exemptions:
When the cook stove, lantern or campfire is fueled solely by gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel or propane with an on/off switch and flammable vegetation is cleared a minimum of 3-feet away from open flame on all sides.
Smoking: Prohibited 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(d).
Exemptions:
Within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, in a water way or while stopped in an area at least 3-feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
Internal Combustion Engines: Operating an internal combustion engine, including chainsaw use is prohibited. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(g).
Exemptions:
Generators must be equipped with an approved spark arrestor and used in an area that is cleared at least 10-feet in diameter of all flammable material.
Welding: Operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame is prohibited. 36 C.F.R. §261.52(h).
Explosives: Using explosives is prohibited. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(b).
Use of vehicles off National Forest System roads: Prohibited off National Forest System trails and roads designated on the Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). 36 C.F.R. § 261.56.
Exemptions:
Parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10-feet of the roadway or minimum travel over bare mineral soil to access dispersed camping.
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this order:
•Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order) specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.
•Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A.
Violation of these prohibitions is 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 six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3551, 3559, 3571, and 3581.