WDFW restricts campfires, target shooting, other activities on Eastern Washington wildlife and water access areas

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today restrictions on campfires, target shooting, and other activities on WDFW-managed lands in Eastern Washington to help reduce wildfire risk and support public safety on state wildlife and water access areas. 

“We all have a part to play in preventing wildfires, and we’re urging visitors enjoying Washington’s great outdoors this summer to be a part of the solution,” said Cynthia Wilkerson, WDFW’s Lands Division Manager. “By recreating responsibly and following wildfire safety restrictions, visitors can help protect public recreation lands, wildlife habitat, and health and safety for local communities.” 

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 1 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 places, protecting the state’s land and water for wildlife and people.