Washington wildfire information

Updated as of Monday, July 29, 2024

Current fire activity and closures

• The 4-0 Ranch unit and the Grouse Flat unit of the Chief Joseph Wildlife Area will open to the public on Aug. 30, 2024. They have been closed since July 18 due to the Cougar Creek Fire. These closures are for public safety and to provide space for first responders to operate.
• Much of the Retreat Fire is contained, however the Oak Creek Wildlife Area (Oak Creek Unit) within the fire perimeter (PDF) is still closed until Sep. 23 to ensure public safety, facilitate firefighting efforts, and assess impacts to resources. The closure will be reassessed upon the expiration date and will likely affect some hunting, scouting, and other recreation opportunities through November. Adjacent lands under other public ownership are also closed. This closure includes roads within the fire perimeter, and they will be posted or restricted by locked gates. Bethel Tie Road and Tim's Pond are open. Royal Columns rock climbing area is also open. Other rock climbing sites along the Tieton River along with access sites along US Highway 12 and the majority of the Tieton River Nature Trail are closed. Please continue to check this page for further information on the Wildlife Area to make sure lands are open before heading out.
• With the Black Canyon Fire now contained, Green Dot Roads on the Wenas Wildlife Area will reopen Friday, Aug. 2. The Black Canyon Fire burned a total of 9,211 acres. The area burned is northeast of North Wenas Road from Kelly Hollow Road to north of the Ridge Road. Firefighters will still be working throughout the fire perimeter for the next several weeks doing mop-up of the area. Please avoid going near the fire perimeter or entering the burned area for your safety and the safety of local firefighters.

Fire restrictions

Starting July 1, the following activities are restricted on WDFW-managed lands in Eastern Washington:   

• Fires or campfires, including those in fire rings. Personal camp stoves and lanterns fueled by propane, liquid petroleum, or liquid petroleum gas are allowed.
• Discharging firearms for target shooting or other purposes, aside from lawful hunting, unless otherwise posted. Target shooting is permitted daily from sunrise to 10 a.m. through Aug. 15 only at two Department shooting ranges: 
  • Methow Shooting Range, Methow Wildlife Area Unit
  • Asotin Creek Shooting Range, Asotin Creek Wildlife Area Unit
    • From Aug. 16 through Sept 15, restrictions prohibit discharging firearms for target shooting on all WDFW-managed lands (including the previously mentioned target-shooting ranges) in Eastern Washington, unless otherwise posted.
• Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle. Do not throw lit cigarettes out your window.
• 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.

On the  Columbia Basin Wildlife Area, all target shooting, including Sand Dunes Road, is included in these restrictions beginning July 1. However, when fire restrictions are lifted this fall, the Sand Dunes Road area will remain permanently closed. The closure is in response to public safety issues, including multiple instances of stray target shooting bullets landing in areas used for recreation by members of the public.  The risk to public safety is too high to allow the activity to continue.

Plan ahead for your outdoor adventure

Get ready for your outdoor adventure and check for local restrictions when you 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. 

Target shooting on WDFW-managed lands

WDFW strives to provide a positive recreational experience for all outdoor enthusiasts at our wildlife areas across the state. As the number of people recreating on public lands increases each year, it is important for all visitors to have an extra level of awareness. 

Know before you shoot! WDFW’s target shooting regulation changed in 2021 to increase public safety, prevent wildfires, and protect habitat. Review the rule and frequently asked questions. 

For more information, review the Target Shooting in Washington Brochure (PDF).