Outdoor recreationists are encouraged to check fire restrictions for various public land management agencies before they go, as they can vary
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced Thursday it will lift its campfire and other remaining fire restrictions on most Department-managed lands starting today (Oct. 14).
“While wildfire risk remains high in some areas, the risk of large fires is low and the state’s capacity to fight fires is good,” said Cynthia Wilkerson, WDFW’s lands division manager. “We know folks are eager to enjoy the outdoors this fall season, and we continue to encourage people to recreate with extreme caution to help prevent wildfires. This includes using alternatives to campfires such as propane stoves for cooking and fully extinguishing any campfires that do occur.”
Campfire restrictions for WDFW’s South Central Region including Benton, Franklin, Yakima and Kittitas counties will be in place through Oct. 15. A campfire ban remains in place through Oct. 31 at the Columbia Basin Wildlife Area in Adams and Grant counties and at the Klickitat Wildlife Area in Klickitat County due to their drier, more sensitive nature.
WDFW institutes campfire bans in hot summer months to reduce fire risk across the state on Department-managed lands and surrounding public lands and communities. These actions help protect habitat, wildlife, and human health.
Outdoor recreationists are encouraged to check fire restrictions for various public land management agencies before they go, as they can vary. For more information about fires and fire prevention on public lands, visit the Washington State Department of Natural Resources website or the U.S. Forest Service website. For local restrictions, residents should contact their county.
Maps and detailed information about WDFW’s 33 wildlife areas are available on WDFW’s website. More information about Recreate Responsibly is available at recreateresponsibly.org/.
WDFW manages more than a million acres of land and hundreds of water access areas throughout the state. By actively managing lands, restoring habitats, and preserving wild places, the Department serves as stewards for Washington’s natural places, protecting the state’s land and water for its human and wildlife populations.
Also read:
- OII completes investigation into Clark County Sheriff’s Office use of deadly force in July of 2025
A 77-page OII report on the July 30, 2025 death of Branden Whitcomb now goes to the Clark County Prosecutor’s Office. - VIDEO: Entrepreneur exodus continues as Washington’s new income tax looms
Venice.ai founder Jesse Proudman says Washington’s new income tax is the final blow driving him and others out of the state. - WA gets $538M in delayed COVID-era payments from FEMA
FEMA is sending $538M to Washington state health departments and hospital systems for COVID-era costs after years of delays. - Opinion: When you’ve lost Christine Gregoire, you’ve lost Washington
Former Gov. Gregoire says Washington’s $80B budget reflects a spending problem, not an income problem. - Letter: Present bridge plan has been in the expensive and unworkable planning stage far too long with no real end in sight
Brush Prairie resident Bob Mattila argues the I-5 Bridge plan doubles costs by including light rail on the span. - Letter: Stop turning gas prices into war propaganda
Camas resident Tony Teso fires back at Jonathan Hines, arguing militarism won’t lower fuel costs for working families. - Letter: Compassion requires accountability
A medical provider and downtown Vancouver resident challenges whether current homelessness policies produce measurable results.
