Fire Restrictions Begin in Hood River County

Jun 9

Written By Columbia Community Connection

From Hood River County:

By Allison Willliams

Hood River, Ore., June 9, 2025 — Fireworks will be prohibited throughout Hood River County beginning at 11:59 p.m. on June 15 this year, following the Regulated Use Closure implemented by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), which is effective at 12:01 a.m. on June 16. The Central Oregon District of ODF declared fire season on June 2nd.

Due to actions taken by Hood River County Fire Defense Board and the Regulated Use Closure declared by the Oregon Department of Forestry, the Hood River County Administrator, under the authority granted by Ordinance 376, is prohibiting the discharge of fireworks in unincorporated Hood River County until the Oregon State Forester suspends or terminates the closure.

Beginning 12:01 a.m. June 16th, the Regulated Use Closure (RUC) prohibits open campfires throughout the County Forest. Campfires will only be permitted inside fire rings at the Kingsley Campground through a special waiver until further notice. Portable cooking stoves that use liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed in forested areas during RUC. All vehicles on County Forest roads must be equipped with either a shovel and a gallon of water or a 2.5-pound fire extinguisher or larger.

As part of the RUC restrictions, County Forest trails will be closed to motorized use on Middle Mountain, Pinemont, and Fir Mountain (Eastside) due to fire danger. Motorized Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) use will still be allowed in Hood River County’s Northwest Area Trail System through a special ODF waiver until further notice.

As the weather warms up, the risk of fire danger increases due to drying fuels. It’s crucial for everyone, whether at home, at work, or enjoying outdoor activities, to prioritize wildfire prevention. Hood River County is home to forests and wildlands that present a significant fire risk, especially during hot and dry conditions.

To help reduce the likelihood of fire starts, the Oregon Department of Forestry enforces the RUC regulations during fire season. For more information, please visit odfcentraloregon.com.