Wallowa Whitman National Forest moves to Phase C public use restrictions

BAKER CITY – (Press Release from the U.S. Forest Service) Due to the continued hot and dry weather, combined with the current wildfires across the region that are already straining firefighting resources, the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest will implement Phase C Public Use Restrictions (PURs) and increase the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) to Level III in the Wallowa and Whitman Units. These restrictions will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026.

Under Phase C of Public Use Restrictions, the following acts are prohibited on all National Forest System Lands within the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest:

1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, except:

1. For camp stoves fueled solely by liquid petroleum or liquefied petroleum gas fuels, and flammable vegetation is cleared a minimum of 3-feet away from open flame on all sides;

2. Within the boundaries of the Eagle Cap Wilderness when using a wood-burning stove equipped with a chimney at least 5-feet in length and a spark arresting screen consisting of ¼-inch mesh hardware cloth, and all flammable vegetation within a 3-foot radius is cleared, including overhanging material;

2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

3. Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine except:

1. Electric Generators with a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order in accordance with U.S. Forest Service Standard 5100-1, where the generator is located in the center of an area free of all flammable material with a 10-foot diameter.

2. Chainsaws, if the operator possesses a valid personal use firewood cutting permit and follows the conditions outlined in the permit.

4. Possessing or using any vehicle off National Forest System roads or National Forest System signed and designated motorized trails, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway.  “Vehicle” means any device in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may be transported, including any frame, chassis, or body of any motor vehicle, except devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.

5. Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device.

6. Using an explosive. 

EXEMPTIONS:

Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this order:

1. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
2. 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.

For more information on fire restrictions visit:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/wallowa-whitman/fire/info or   https://bmidc.org/incinfo.shtml for fire information.

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