LA GRANDE, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Northeast Oregon District has lowered the fire danger level from high to moderate effective 12:01 a.m., Sept. 16, 2025, citing recent rainfall and improving weather conditions.
Although the change reflects a reduced threat, officials emphasized that fire season remains in effect across private, state, county, municipal, and tribal lands protected by ODF in the region. The Northeast Oregon District covers Union, Baker, Umatilla, and Wallowa counties, along with small portions of Grant, Morrow, and Malheur counties.
Restrictions Under Moderate Fire Danger
Even with the lower rating, several restrictions remain in place to reduce wildfire risk:
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Burn permits required: All open debris burning and the use of burn barrels require a valid permit. Residents should contact their local ODF office for details:
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La Grande Unit: (541) 963-3168
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Baker City Sub-Unit: (541) 523-5831
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Wallowa Unit: (541) 886-2881
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Pendleton Unit: (541) 276-3491
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Campfires allowed: Recreational and cooking campfires are permitted, but they must be attended at all times and fully extinguished before leaving.
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Firefighting tools required: Anyone using fire outdoors must have the following on hand:
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A shovel or other firefighting tool
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At least one gallon of water or two fire extinguishers (2½-pound or larger)
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A fire watch of at least one hour after extinguishing flames
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Prohibited activities:
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Exploding targets
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Tracer ammunition or bullets with pyrotechnic charges
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Sky lanterns (banned year-round in Oregon)
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Officials stress that restrictions may differ on lands managed by rural fire departments, the U.S. Forest Service, or the Bureau of Land Management. Residents are encouraged to check the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center website at www.bmidc.org for updated information.
Safety Still a Priority
ODF reminded residents that human-caused fires remain a threat even as conditions ease. Simple precautions—such as keeping campfires under control and ensuring they are “dead out” before leaving—can prevent small sparks from turning into costly blazes.
“With fire danger lowered to moderate, people may feel safer, but that doesn’t mean the risk is gone,” an ODF spokesperson said. “We still need everyone to do their part to keep our forests and communities safe.”
Fire Season Continues
While the transition from high to moderate fire danger reflects recent weather improvements, ODF confirmed that the 2025 fire season is ongoing. Residents are urged to remain cautious as dry conditions could return later in the season.
The district continues to monitor precipitation, humidity levels, and fuel conditions across its service area to adjust restrictions as needed.
Contacts and Reporting
For questions about fire prevention and restrictions in Northeast Oregon, residents can call the ODF at (541) 975-3027. To report a fire, call the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center at (541) 963-7171 or dial 9-1-1.
Key Takeaway:
ODF’s shift to moderate fire danger offers some relief for residents and landowners, but caution remains essential. With burn permits still required and several restrictions in place, fire season is far from over in Northeast Oregon.
