Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Rescinds Public Use Restrictions
Contact Information: Amy Franklin, Public Affairs 541-620-3365
Baker City, Ore, September 17, 2025 – Due to recent precipitation and moderating temperatures, effective Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 12:01 am, the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest will reduce the fire danger level from high to moderate in all Fire Danger Rating Areas (FDRA) and will rescind Phase A Public Use Restrictions. Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) 1 remains in place to minimize wildfire risk for commercial and industrial activities, such as timber harvest operations or commercial firewood cutting.
When fire danger is “Moderate” it means that fires can start from most accidental causes, but the numbers of fires is usually low. If a fire does start in open, dry grassland, it will burn and spread quickly on windy days. Most wood fires will spread slowly to moderately. Average fire intensity will be moderate, except in heavy concentrations of fuel, which may burn hot.
Campfires, charcoal fires, and stoves must always be attended and completely extinguished before leaving. When Public Use Restrictions are not in place, please follow fire-safety rules and recreate responsibly.
For additional information about Fire Danger, Public Use Restrictions, and Industrial Fire Precaution Levels, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/wallowa-whitman/fire/info or call our office at (541) 523-6391.
About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.