Washington wildfire information

Updated as of Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Current fire activity

As of July 24, a majority of the Oak Creek Wildlife Area is closed to public access (PDF) due to the Retreat Fire, which began July 23 near Rimrock Retreat in Yakima County. The Oak Creek Wildlife Area is scheduled to remain closed until Aug. 23 to ensure public safety and facilitate firefighting efforts. View Retreat Fire updates. 

As of July 23, the Green Dot roads (PDF) on the Wenas Wildlife Area are closed for public safety and to allow room for firefighters to operate as the Black Canyon Fire continues to burn. Approximately 10,000 acres of WDFW-managed and neighboring lands are burning. This 30-day closure is effective immediately and runs through Aug. 23. First responders are actively fighting this fire. In order to ensure their safety and yours, please be mindful of closure areas and potential changes in fire behavior.

As of July 18, the 4-0 Ranch unit and the Grouse Flat unit of the Chief Joseph Wildlife Area are closed to the public due to the Cougar Creek Fire. These closures are for public safety and to provide space for first responders to operate. Please use caution when traveling State Highway 129 and Rattlesnake Grade due to fire apparatus and equipment in the area.

Fire restrictions and closures

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 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).