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Public Use (Fire) Restrictions Stage 2 Effective July 2
This order prohibits campfires, recreational shooting, fireworks, and other activities on all lands managed by the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest due to increased fire danger.
Alert Start Date: July 2, 2025
Alert End Date: October 15, 2025
Rec Sites Affected:
Order Number: 06-17-00-25-09
Associated Documents
Forest Order
Pursuant to 16 USC 551, 36 CFR 261.50(a)(b), the following acts are prohibited in all National Forest System areas, and National Forest System roads and trails within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, in the state of Washington. This Order supersedes order 06-17-00-25-08, signed on June 4th, 2025 by Tara Umphries, and will become effective July 2nd, 2025 through October 15th, 2025 unless rescinded earlier.
PROHIBITIONS
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire or stove fire, including charcoal, and other open flame. 36 CFR § 261.52(a). However, pressurized or bottled liquid fuel stoves, lanterns, or heating devices are permitted, provided such devices are used in areas that are barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable material within 3 feet of the device. Any device must have a functioning on-off switch or valve that can extinguish the fire immediately.
- 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).
- Using an explosive. 36 CFR § 261.52(b).
- Possessing or using a motor vehicle off National Forest System Roads and Trails, except minimum travel over bare mineral soil to access dispersed camping. 36 CFR § 261.56.
- Discharging a firearm. 36 CFR § 261.58(m). Hunting is permissible: this section of the prohibition does not apply to persons possessing a valid hunting license who are legally attempting to take game.
BACKGROUND
This Order is necessary to protect public health and safety due to elevated fire danger, weather conditions, and forest health issues, which when added to the potential depletion of fire suppression resources and specific public, private property and natural resource issues present in these enumerated areas, present a significant community safety hazard in the event of a fire.
EXEMPTIONS
The following 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 Order), specifically exempting them from this Order.
- Any federal, state, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS
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 6 months, or both. (16 USC § 551 and 18 USC §§ 3559, 3571, 3581).
These restrictions are in addition to those prohibitions enumerated in Subpart ‘A’ of 36 CFR § 261 and any other special restrictions pertaining to the described lands, roads, and trails.