Oregon State Parks’ three tips for safer campfires

Press Release · May 18, 2026

Oregon State Parks' three tips for safer campfires

Oregon State Parks joins Oregon Department of Forestry and other local, state and national partners in recognizing May as Wildfire Awareness Month.

Campfires are a beloved tradition when visiting Oregon State Parks, and staff encourage visitors to enjoy them safely when and where permitted.

Everyone at the campsite should be familiar with campfire safety, including children. Always keep an eye on campfires; accidental fires can start even when campers leave their fire unattended for a short time.

Three tips for safer campfires

1. Build them only where allowed. Check online to see if campfires are allowed where you're going or ask a park ranger. In some cases, even propane fire rings may not be allowed.
2. Build them safely. Only build campfires in the existing fire ring at your campsite, which are put in specific areas away from vegetation. If using a propane fire ring, keep it away from vegetation and overhanging branches. At the beach, only build campfires where permitted on open sand. Keep water close and keep flames below knee height, about two feet.
3. Put them out completely. Pour water over the flames and stir it into the embers to make sure everything is wet. Repeat this until you no long feel heat coming from the embers. Do not use sand to put out fires; it can insulate the coals and keep them hot for days.

Education is the top priority for rule enforcement, but rangers also have the option of issuing a Class A violation for significant violations or for multiple violations with a presumptive fine of up to $400.

In addition, explosives and fireworks are not allowed in state parks or the ocean shore because they pose a danger to visitors, wildlife and the landscape. High winds, flammable vegetation and the unpredictability of fireworks create a unique hazard particularly in crowded areas.

Resources

Websites

• Oregon State Parks campfire rules and current campfire bans. Campfire regulations in Oregon Administrative Rules.
• Oregon Department of Forestry's wildfire information website.
• Oregon State Fire Marshal's wildfire prevention web page.
• Oregon Department of Emergency Management Oregon Wildfire Response and Recovery web page.
• Oregon Department of Environmental Quality smoke advisories.
• Oregon Department of Transportation Tripcheck website for road conditions.

Social media

For breaking news and information, follow the social media accounts for Oregon State Parks, Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Oregon Department of Transportation, and Oregon Department of Emergency Management.

About OPRD The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department's mission is to provide and protect outstanding natural, scenic, cultural, historic and recreational sites for the enjoyment and education of present and future generations. The department houses the State Historic Preservation Office and manages Heritage Programs, the state's ATV Program, Recreation Grants and Community Programs, and Oregon State Parks.