Fire Restrictions Lifted on Most WDFW - Managed Land

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. 15 at the Columbia Basin Wildlife Area in Adams and Grant counties. A campfire ban also remains in place through Oct. 31 at the Klickitat Wildlife Area in Klickitat County due to their drier, more sensitive nature. Campfires are always restricted on the Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area.

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.

“There has been an increased understanding of the need for these restrictions amid large, damaging wildfires in recent years,” Wilkerson said. “We thank the public for helping reduce the risk of wildfire, and continue to encourage people to recreate responsibly to prevent wildfires. This includes using alternatives to campfires such as propane stoves for cooking and fully extinguishing any campfires that do occur.”

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.

Individuals who need to receive this information in an alternative format, language, or who need reasonable accommodations to participate in WDFW-sponsored public meetings or other activities may contact the Title VI/ADA Compliance Coordinator by phone at 360-902-2349, TTY (711), or email (Title6@dfw.wa.gov).