Campfires, target shooting, and other activities restricted at WDFW-managed lands in Eastern Washington

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced restrictions on campfires, target shooting, and other activities beginning July 1 on WDFW-managed lands in Eastern Washington to reduce wildfire risk and support public safety. 

“This year’s forecast shows an increased risk of wildfires statewide, so it’s incredibly important to recreate responsibly and prevent possible wildfires while visiting public lands this summer,” said Kevin Connally, WDFW’s Lands Division Manager. “These restrictions help protect local communities, as well as critical wildlife habitat, and we all have a responsibility to our shared outdoor spaces.” 

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. 

All restrictions will remain in effect until further notice. Any changes to these regulations will be posted to WDFW’s wildfire information web page. 

Fireworks are prohibited year-round on all WDFW-managed lands around the state. Throwing a lit cigarette or any other burning material from a motor vehicle on a state highway is also prohibited year-round. 

For more information about fires and fire prevention on public lands, visit the Washington Department of Natural Resources' website or the U.S. Forest Service website.

WDFW manages more than a million acres of land and hundreds of water access areas throughout the state. By actively managing lands, restoring habitats, and preserving wild places, the Department serves as stewards for Washington’s natural ecosystems, protecting the state’s land and water for its wildlife and people.