Where to See Fire Bans for Each State

If you spend any real time camping out West, you've almost certainly rolled into a camp with fire restrictions in place. It happens to all of us, and that’s a good thing! Fire bans are one of the most important aspects of respecting and protecting public lands. 

As FWC owners, we do our part as responsible camp owners to know fire bans and restrictions. To help do our part, we’ve created a resource for fire bans by state, so you can know the most up-to-date information whenever planning your next camping getaway. 

What Fire Restrictions Usually Mean

Most fire restrictions follow a staged system, though exact rules vary by state and agency:

• Stage 1 typically limits campfires to developed sites with a permanent metal or concrete fire ring, and usually still allows gas or propane stoves and grills with a shut off valve.
• Stage 2 is more severe, often banning all open flames entirely, including in developed campgrounds, along with restrictions on smoking, chainsaw use, and off road driving.
• Full closures mean the area is off limits to public access altogether, usually due to an active fire nearby or extreme, sustained danger.

Because campfires are often the first thing restricted, even under a Stage 1 ban, it's smart to always travel with a backup way to cook. A propane or liquid fuel stove with a shut off valve is almost always allowed even when open flames aren't, which is one more reason a built in stove is such a useful feature on a truck camper.

Fire bans are also dynamic. They can go into effect with very little notice, and they vary not just by state but often by county, by land management agency, and even by elevation within the same forest. That's exactly why checking before you go, every time, matters so much. A spot that allowed campfires last month might be under a full ban this weekend.

Remember, checking and knowing fire bans is on you as a responsible camper! 

Where to Check Fire Bans by State

Here are the states where fire bans and restrictions come up most often for truck camper travelers, along with where to check current status before you go. Rules can change quickly and vary by county or land agency within each state, so always confirm with the specific location you're headed to as well.

1. California

California has some of the most frequent and far reaching fire restrictions in the country, and rules can differ by county, air district, and land management agency. Start with CAL FIRE for statewide information, and check the BLM California fire restrictions page if you're headed to BLM managed land, since much of the desert and dispersed camping in California falls under BLM jurisdiction.

2. Colorado

Colorado's fire restrictions are managed county by county, which makes a single source especially useful. The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control maintains a statewide list of current restrictions by county and is the best starting point before any Colorado trip.

3. Arizona

Arizona issues fire restrictions on both state and federal land, and the state runs a helpful interactive tool for checking current status. Visit Arizona Interagency Wildfire Prevention to view an interactive map covering both state and federal fire restrictions across Arizona.

4. Oregon

Oregon Department of Forestry manages an interactive fire restrictions map that's updated regularly through fire season. Check the Oregon Department of Forestry restrictions page before heading into Oregon's forests, and note that areas under Forest Service management may have separate restrictions worth double checking directly with the ranger district.

5. Washington

Washington tracks fire and burn restrictions through its Department of Natural Resources, which posts current burn bans statewide and by county. The Washington DNR Burn Portal is the fastest way to check current status before you head out.

6. Utah

Utah's Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands maintains current statewide fire restriction information along with an interactive map showing active orders. Check the Utah active fire restrictions page before any Utah trip, especially during summer months.

7. Idaho

Idaho fire restrictions are coordinated across state and federal agencies through a single interagency resource. Visit Idaho Fire Info for current statewide restrictions and an interactive map.

8. Montana

Montana's fire information is coordinated through the state's Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. Check Montana Fire Conditions for current statewide restrictions, active fire maps, and links to county level information.

9. Texas

Texas handles fire restrictions differently than most Western states, since burn bans are issued county by county rather than statewide, and Texas has 254 counties. The Texas A&M Forest Service Burn Bans map is the official, regularly updated source for checking whether your specific county currently has a burn ban in place.

10. Wyoming

Wyoming fire restrictions are established county by county under the State Board of Land Commissioners rules, and it's common for the majority of the state's 23 counties to be under some level of restriction during peak summer months. The Wyoming State Forestry Division fire restrictions map shows current county level restrictions on state and private land, and links out to federal restrictions for BLM and Forest Service land as well.

Where to See Current Active Fires

Checking fire restrictions tells you what's allowed, but it's just as important to know what's actually burning nearby before you commit to a route or a campsite. This is especially true if you're traveling through multiple states or planning to camp somewhere remote, since a fire can close roads, trigger evacuations, or fill a valley with smoke with very little warning.

Watch Duty is the official interagency incident information system used by federal and state fire agencies nationwide. It shows an interactive map of active wildfires, along with size, containment percentage, evacuation notices, closures, and regular updates from personnel on scene. It's the same source ranger stations and land management agencies pull from, which makes it the most reliable single place to check before you head out or while you're already on the road.

View active fires here: https://app.watchduty.org/

A Few Habits Worth Building

Beyond checking the state resources above, a few habits go a long way toward staying safe and staying legal:

• Check twice. State pages, county pages, and federal land agency pages don't always update at the same time. If you're camping on BLM or Forest Service land, check that agency's page directly in addition to the state resource.
• Check again once you arrive. Restrictions can change mid trip, especially during active fire season. Signage at ranger stations, trailheads, and campgrounds is often the most current source on the ground.
• Have a backup plan for cooking. A propane stove with a shut off valve is almost always permitted, even under a full fire ban. This is one more reason most Four Wheel Camper models come with a built in stove, so a fire restriction never has to mean a cold dinner.
• When in doubt, don't. If you're unsure whether a ban is in effect, treat it as though it is. The downside of skipping a fire you were technically allowed to have is nothing compared to the downside of starting a wildfire.
• Propane firepits are a great alternative! Even when fire bans squash your plans for a “typical” fire, check to see rules for a propane fire. In many places, they are still allowed because they don’t produce floating embers. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Wildfires 

What percentage of wildfires are started by humans?

Roughly 85 to 90 percent of wildfires in the United States are human caused, according to the U.S. Forest Service. That includes unattended or improperly extinguished campfires, sparks from equipment and vehicles, debris burning, and discarded cigarettes. The remaining wildfires are typically sparked by lightning. Because the majority of wildfires are preventable, fire restrictions and simple habits like fully extinguishing a campfire make a real difference in how many fires start each year.

What state is most prone to wildfires?

California is generally considered the most wildfire prone state when you factor in the frequency of fires, the number of people and structures at risk, and the overall cost of damage and suppression. That said, Alaska typically burns more total acreage each year due to its size and remote terrain, and states like Arizona, Oregon, Colorado, and Texas also see significant wildfire activity every season. Wildfire risk really depends on how you measure it, whether that's number of fires, acres burned, or impact on communities.

What is the best way to put out a campfire to ensure it doesn't reignite?

The Forest Service and Smokey Bear both recommend the “drown, stir, and feel” method. Pour plenty of water on the fire until the hissing stops, completely drowning the embers rather than just dampening them. Stir the wet ashes and embers thoroughly with a shovel, making sure to soak the sides of any partially burned logs. Repeat the drowning and stirring a second time, then hold the back of your hand near the ashes to check for heat. If it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave. Never rely on dirt or sand alone to put out a fire, since it can insulate hot coals and allow them to reignite hours or even days later.

What type of landscape is most prone to wildfires?

Grasslands, chaparral, and dry brushland tend to ignite and spread fire the fastest, since fine, dry fuels catch quickly and burn hot even from a small spark. Forested areas with dense, dry undergrowth and dead timber are also highly prone to large, hard to control wildfires, especially after years of drought or bark beetle damage. The wildland urban interface, where development meets wildland vegetation, carries added risk simply because more people and structures are in the path when a fire does start. Steep terrain and windy conditions make any of these landscapes even more dangerous, since fire spreads faster uphill and wind can carry embers well ahead of the main fire line.