Wallowa-Whitman National Forest eases fire restrictions
By Garrett Christensen on Friday, September 18th, 2026 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
BAKER CITY – The U.S. Forest Servicehas announced a lowering of fire restrictions for the Wallowa Whitman National Forest. As of Thursday morning, Public Use Restrictions (PUR) have been lowered to Phase-A and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) has been lowered to 1, due in part to shorter days, higher relative humidities, cooler temperatures, and recent precipitation.
A full press release from the Forest Service explaining the changes and what restrictions remain in place is as follows:
(Press release from the U.S. Forest Service)
Under PUR Phase A, the following acts are prohibited on all National Forest System lands within the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest:
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, at a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter and cleared of all flammable material.
- Operating a chainsaw between the hours of 1:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. This prohibition includes the operation of chainsaws.
- Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark-arresting device properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order in accordance with U.S. Forest Service Standard 5100-1.
- Possessing or using a vehicle off National Forest System roads, except when parking in an area within 10 feet of the roadway that is devoid of vegetation.
Under IFPL I, fire precaution requirements are in effect. A fire watch/security is required at this and all higher levels unless otherwise waived.
A short-term warming, drying trend could temporarily elevate fire danger. As always, use safe-campfire principles:
- Campfires should be in fire pits surrounded by dirt, rock, or commercial rings and in areas not conducive to rapid fire spread. All flammable material overhanging and within a 3-foot radius from the edge of the pit should be removed. Use existing pits wherever possible.
- Wood burning stoves should have a chimney at least 5 feet long with a spark arresting screen consisting of 0.25-inch mesh hardware cloth. All combustible material should be removed within a 3-foot radius of the stove.
- Campfires must be attended at all times and completely extinguished—by stirring and applying water—prior to leaving.
View Phase A Fire Restrictions Forest Order No. 06-16-00-25-00 online, or call or visit any Wallowa-Whitman National Forest office. Information about PUR phases and IFPL can be found on the forest’s fire information webpage or Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center’s website. Additional information about the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest can be found on the forest’s website and Facebook page.
