PORTLAND, Ore. – Fire restrictions remain in effect on all Bureau of Land Management public lands in Oregon and Washington. BLM officials urge visitors to research additional restrictions and closures for places they plan to recreate this weekend, as the National Weather Service has issued a “Particularly Dangerous Situation” Red Flag Warning for Saturday afternoon and evening. This rare warning signals exceptionally hazardous fire weather conditions across central and eastern Washington

“We need everyone to work together and take appropriate precautions,” said Kim Prill, acting BLM Oregon/Washington State Director. "Every wildfire that is prevented helps protect lives, communities and the public lands we all value.”

Much of the region is forecast to experience high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds. These critical fire weather conditions can allow new fires to start easily and spread rapidly.

"As fire danger remains high, we ask everyone to stay informed, follow local restrictions and make fire-safe decisions every time they head outdoors," Prill continued.

The BLM, in close coordination with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service and federal, state, and local partners, is aligning operations and sharing resources to ensure the strongest possible response to wildfire activity.

“When people follow fire restrictions and recreate responsibly, firefighters can focus their efforts where they're needed most and respond more effectively to new incidents,” said Josh O'Connor, Northwest Geographic Area Fire Chief for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service. 

Safety Recommendations:

• Use extreme caution with any ignition sources
• Stay alert to the forecast and follow instructions from emergency officials
• Make fire-safe decisions every time you head outdoors
• Review and follow all fire restrictions and prevention requirements

The BLM and U.S. Wildland Fire Service remind everyone:

A PDS Red Flag Warning is not routine; it requires immediate attention and proactive safety actions. By working together, we can protect lives, communities, and the public lands we all value.

Individuals responsible for starting wildfires may face fines of up to $100,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, and liability for the full cost of wildfire suppression.

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.

Former Washington State Employee Sentenced for Theft of $50,000 from Paid Family Leave and Unemployment Insurance Programs

Clarkston, WA -- Clarkston School District is pleased to announce that, beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, it will participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), a federal program available to eligible school districts participating in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. Through June 30, 2030, all enrolled students will be eligible to receive breakfast and lunch at school at no charge.

Because the District has qualified for CEP, every enrolled student may receive school breakfast and lunch at no charge, regardless of household income. Families do not need to complete a school meal application for their children to receive meals.

Although meals are provided at no charge, the District will continue asking families to complete a Child Nutrition Eligibility & Education Benefit (CNEEB) application. Completing the application is important because it may help determine eligibility for other educational programs, fee waivers, and additional benefits available to students and families. Submitting a CNEEB application is not required for students to receive meals at no charge.

The CNEEB application will be included in school registration packets and will also be available online.

Families with questions about the Community Eligibility Provision or the CNEEB application may contact Amy Kimberling, Director of Food Services, at 509-769-6346.
 

USDA Non-Discrimination Statement for Child Nutrition Programs

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language) should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a complainant should complete Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, available from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992 or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant's name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter should be submitted to USDA by:

     1.     Mail:
             U.S. Department of Agriculture
             Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
             1400 Independence Avenue, SW
             Washington, DC 20250-9410

     2.     Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442

     3.     Email: USDA Program Intake (program.intake@usda.gov)

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

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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.