Eastern Washington fire restrictions and closures
WDFW-managed wildlife areas in Eastern Washington are reopen to overnight use as of Thursday, Sep. 16.
- A few areas within the Oak Creek Wildlife Area Unit remain closed, including U.S. Forest Service Road 1400 (Oak Creek Road) for fire traffic conducting rehab on fire lines.
- Wildlife area lands between highways 410 and 12 are open, except for parcels within the U.S. Forest Service closure boundary.
- The green dot road west of the Oak Creek Headquarters (Bethel Ridge Tie Road) is open for approximately five miles to the upper gate that is used for the winter closure area.
- Fires or campfires, including those in fire rings. Personal camp stoves and lanterns fueled by propane, liquid petroleum, or liquid petroleum gas are allowed.
- Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle.
- The discharge of firearms for target-shooting or other purposes by anyone not engaged in lawful hunting.
- Welding and operating chainsaws, including the use of an acetylene torch or other open flame.
- Operating a motor vehicle away from developed roads. Parking is permitted within designated parking areas, including developed campgrounds and trailheads; and in areas without vegetation that are within 10 feet of roadways.
Plan your outdoor adventure
Get ready for your outdoor adventure! Plan your trip to a WDFW wildlife area or water access area. WDFW actively manages more than 1 million acres of public land and 500+ water access areas throughout the state.
2021 general hunting information
Some hunting opportunities may be affected by Department of Natural Resources (DNR) emergency land closures. We want to provide you with many options, so you can make informed decisions for your 2021 season and have a safe and successful hunt.
Exchanging tags
WDFW sent hunting license holders an email in mid-August with the following information. Current rules allow hunters to exchange current tags for seasons and areas less likely to be affected by emergency land closures. (WAC 220-220-100 (5) & (6))
You can exchange your tag if:
- The season for which the tag was issued has not opened, and
- You did not apply for a special hunt, and
- You must request a tag exchange by the deadlines listed below:
- Archery tags – before Sept. 1
- Muzzleloader tags – before Sept. 20
- Modern firearm tags – before Oct. 10.
Have questions about tag exchange?
Call 360-902-2464 or email licensing@dfw.wa.gov
Returning special permits
WDFW sent hunting license holders an email in mid-August with the following information. If you choose to return your permit, you must return it two weeks prior to the season starting. We will restore your preference points for that hunt category but will not refund your application or license fees. (WAC 220-412-080 (4))
Please note that if you choose to turn in your permit, but then fire conditions improve, we cannot return the permit back to you.
If you decide to return your permit, simply mail it to:
WDFW – Point Restoration
P.O. Box 43141
Olympia, WA 98504-3141
Have questions about point restoration?
Call 360-902-2515 or email wildthing@dfw.wa.gov
Resources
Additional resources
- Burns bans in Washington, organized by county and other jurisdictions
- Emergency fire closures for National Forests in Pacific Northwest Region
- Conditions for Methow Valley Recreation
- DNR Fire Restrictions Restrictions that apply to DNR-protect forestlands throughout Washington
- DNR Fire Dashboard Situation snapshot of fires in Washington and preparedness levels
- InciWeb Up-to-date information on wildfires in U.S.
- Okanogan County Emergency Management
- Washington State Park closures
How to help wildlife impacted by wildfires
Check out our blog, Four ways to help wildlife after wildfires.