Release date: July 25, 2026

Contact:

Fire Information Desk

Northwest Interagency Coordination Center

(503) 808-2764, nwc_info@firenet.gov">ornwc_info@firenet.gov

CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CREATES HIGH FIRE DANGER  

Fire Officials Seek Public Cooperation

Critical fire weather conditions, including Red Flag Watches and Warnings, are underway across the Geographic Area, creating an increased risk for rapid wildfire growth. Fire officials urge residents and visitors to help prevent wildfires by avoiding activities that could spark a fire, following local fire restrictions, and staying informed about changing conditions. The public should also monitor evacuation information and be prepared to act quickly if conditions change.

“Right now, everyone needs to be extremely careful,” said Jeff Fedrizzi, Chair of the Pacific Northwest Wildfire Coordinating Group. “Current fire conditions mean that just one spark, a discarded cigarette, or an unattended open flame can ignite the next wildfire. After the lightning we've received over the past 10 days and the number of new fires already burning across the landscape, we need the public's help to prevent additional fires and protect our firefighters, our communities, and our natural resources.”

Fire officials across Oregon and Washington remind residents and visitors that fire restrictions and area closures are in place to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during this period of extreme fire danger. Know before you go by checking local fire restrictions and area closures before recreating outdoors. Common activities that can ignite dry vegetation include mowing dry grass, driving off designated roads, operating equipment that creates sparks, and building campfires. Many of these activities are currently prohibited or restricted because of extreme fire conditions. Stay clear of active wildfire areas and firefighting operations. Do not drive to view wildfires, as traffic can delay emergency responders, hinder firefighting efforts, and create additional safety hazards. If you encounter smoke while driving, slow down and use extra caution.

Before traveling or recreating outdoors, check the latest road closures, fire restrictions, fire activity, and evacuation information:

Road Conditions 
• Oregon: TripCheck – https://tripcheck.com/ 
• Washington: WSDOT Real-Time Travel – https://wsdot.com/travel/real-time/ 

Evacuations & Emergency Alerts 
• Oregon: https://oralert.gov/ 
• Washington: https://mil.wa.gov/alerts 

Current Fire Information 
• InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/ 
• Northwest Interagency Coordination Center: https://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/  
• Air Quality: https://fire.airnow.gov/ 

Your decisions matter. Stay informed, follow local restrictions and evacuation orders, and help keep yourself, your community, and our firefighters safe. 

Coeur d’Alene Physician Sentenced to 40 Months Imprisonment and $1.25 Million in Restitution for Involvement in Fraudulent Telemedicine Fraud Scheme

Today, the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust published its Winter & Spring 2026 Grants Report. The report announces:

• 152 grants to Pacific Northwest nonprofits totaling $34,368,234.
• This includes $11,841,367 through 55 grants to nonprofits serving the Washington community.
• The report can be found here. A full list of Strategic Project grants can be found here.

The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust is a private, nonprofit foundation that has invested more than $1.5 billion in nonprofits serving the Pacific Northwest since 1975. For details, please visit our website murdocktrust.org.

Today, the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust published its Winter & Spring 2026 Grants Report. The report announces:

• 152 grants to Pacific Northwest nonprofits totaling $34,368,234.
• This includes $2,709,000 through 9 grants to nonprofits serving the Idaho community.
• The report can be found here. A full list of Strategic Project grants can be found here.

The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust is a private, nonprofit foundation that has invested more than $1.5 billion in nonprofits serving the Pacific Northwest since 1975. For details, please visit our website murdocktrust.org.

PORTLAND, Ore. – Statewide fire restrictions remain in effect for all Bureau of Land Management public lands throughout Oregon and Washington, and many local regions have additional restrictions in place. BLM leaders encourage all visitors to be aware of all active restrictions and closures as warmer weather continues across the Pacific Northwest.

As the region faces heightened fire danger, emergency managers are leveraging advanced ALERTWest AI-powered camera networks to detect new smoke ignitions in real time. These public-facing cameras scan regional landscapes using artificial intelligence to spot visual anomalies, allowing both emergency crews and community members to monitor active fire behavior and smoke plumes in real time.

“Technology is helping us detect fires sooner than ever before, but preventing human-caused fires still depends on the public,” said Josh O’Connor, Northwest Geographic Area Fire Chief for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service. “Following local restrictions remains one of the most effective ways people can protect their communities and public lands.”

Restrictions vary based on local fire danger, weather conditions and fuel moisture. Visitors must continue to research their destinations in advance, as local restrictions govern when visitors can use power tools, what kinds of stoves or campfires are allowed, and what type of safety equipment to have on hand. The following items remain strictly prohibited on all BLM lands in Oregon and Washington:

• Fireworks and sky lanterns
• Exploding or metallic targets
• Tracer or incendiary devices
• Steel component ammunition (core or jacket)

“Our communities and public lands are much safer when we work together,” said Kim Prill, BLM Oregon/Washington Acting State Director. “Please continue to monitor local restrictions and take every precaution to prevent human-caused wildfires as we approach the peak of fire season in the Pacific Northwest.”

Officials warn that individuals responsible for starting wildfires face up to $100,000 in fines, 12 months in prison, and liability for all firefighting suppression costs.

For more information on seasonal fire restrictions and fire closures, please see www.blm.gov/orwafire.

-BLM-

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
 

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service conducts operations in close coordination with the Bureau of Land Management. As a unified federal entity under the Department of the Interior, the USWFS integrates expertise to streamline wildfire prevention, response and recovery under our shared mission to foster fire-resilient landscapes and safeguard communities across America’s public lands.