Quick answer: Stage 1 fire restrictions usually ban campfires and charcoal fires everywhere except in fire rings at developed campgrounds, and limit smoking to vehicles, buildings or cleared areas. Stage 2 restrictions usually ban all campfires, even in developed sites, and add limits on smoking, chainsaws and other spark sources. In both stages, stoves fueled by propane or liquid fuel that can be turned off with a valve are usually still allowed. Exact rules come from each forest or BLM office’s order, so check before every trip.
Campfires are part of the fun of camping, especially at free dispersed sites where there is no one around to share the evening. But when conditions get dry, land managers often restrict fires to reduce the risk of wildfire. Rules can change quickly in summer and fall, and they vary from one forest or district to the next.
This guide explains how fire restrictions work on public lands and how to camp comfortably while following them. It is part of our complete guide to free camping in the U.S., since most dispersed camping happens on national forest and BLM land where these restrictions apply.
Sources: U.S. Forest Service, Fire Restrictions and Know Before You Go pages and sample Stage 1 and Stage 2 forest orders; Bureau of Land Management, Fire Restrictions; 36 CFR 261 (Prohibitions) and 18 U.S.C. 3571 on penalties; National Park Service, Wildfire Causes and Evaluations; California campfire permit program (CAL FIRE, U.S. Forest Service and BLM). Restrictions change often; always check the local office. Checked October 2026.
Why Fire Restrictions Exist
According to the National Park Service, nearly 85 percent of wildland fires in the United States are caused by people. Sources include unattended campfires, burning debris, equipment use, discarded cigarettes and intentional acts. When vegetation is dry, temperatures are high and winds are strong, a single ember can start a fire that spreads quickly.
Land managers use fire restrictions to reduce human-caused ignitions during these periods. They are put in place through formal orders that specify exactly what is prohibited, where and for how long.
Who Sets Fire Restrictions
Fire restrictions are set by the agency that manages the land, and each issues its own orders:
- U.S. Forest Service: individual national forests or ranger districts issue orders.
- Bureau of Land Management: state or district offices issue orders for BLM land.
- National Park Service: each park sets its own rules, often stricter than surrounding lands.
- State and local agencies: states, counties and fire districts may set restrictions on state and private land.
Agencies in the same area often coordinate so restrictions match across boundaries, but not always. A forest and nearby BLM land may be at different stages.
Near towns, a city or county burn ban may also apply to private land, county parks and campgrounds within city limits, separate from any federal order. If you camp at a city or county park, check that city or county fire department too.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
Stage 1 is the first level of restrictions, used when fire danger is high. Exact wording varies by order, but common Stage 1 prohibitions include:
- Building, maintaining or using a campfire or charcoal fire except in a permanent fire ring or grill provided by the agency at a developed recreation site, such as a campground.
- Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or a cleared area at least 3 feet in diameter free of flammable material.
- Some orders also restrict welding, using explosives or operating equipment without spark arresters.
What is usually allowed in Stage 1:
- Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns and heaters that can be turned off with a valve, used in an area cleared of flammable material.
- Campfires in agency-provided fire rings at developed campgrounds.
For dispersed campers, Stage 1 typically means no campfire at your site, since dispersed sites rarely have agency-built fire rings. A rock ring built by previous campers does not count, even if it looks well established, and using one can still result in a citation. If you are unsure whether a ring at your site qualifies, assume it does not and use a stove instead.
How an Agency Order Words Stage 1
Idaho’s fire restrictions plan, used by the Idaho Department of Lands and its federal partners, is a good example. Stage 1 prohibits building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire except within a designated recreation site, and only in a provided fire structure. In practice, wood and charcoal fires are allowed only in fire rings or grills at developed recreation sites. The exemption covers devices fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG, such as propane or white gas stoves that can be turned on and off, used in an area cleared of flammable material. Smoking is allowed only in an enclosed vehicle or building, a designated recreation site or a cleared area at least three feet across.
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions
Stage 2 is used when fire danger is very high or extreme. It typically includes everything in Stage 1, plus:
- No campfires or charcoal fires anywhere, including developed campgrounds.
- Smoking only in enclosed vehicles or buildings.
- Limits on operating internal combustion engines, such as chainsaws, often restricted to certain hours or banned.
- Restrictions on welding and similar activities.
- Some orders add limits on driving off roads, since hot exhaust systems can ignite dry grass.
Gas and liquid fuel stoves with shut-off valves are usually still allowed in Stage 2, but read the order. Some areas also restrict them during extreme conditions.
Equipment and Vehicle Limits in Stage 2
Under Idaho’s plan, Stage 2 bans all campfires, including wood or gas-fueled campfires, so propane fire pits are off limits there even though stoves fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG are still allowed. It also prohibits driving motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails. From 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., it bans operating chainsaws and other engine-powered equipment for woodcutting, blasting, welding, grinding or other work that generates flame, and using explosives.
Comparing Stages
The main difference is where campfires are allowed: Stage 1 permits them only in agency fire rings at developed recreation sites, while Stage 2 bans them everywhere. Stoves with shut-off valves are usually allowed in both.
| Activity | No restrictions | Stage 1 | Stage 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campfire in developed campground fire ring | Allowed | Usually allowed | Banned |
| Campfire at dispersed site | Allowed (follow local rules) | Banned | Banned |
| Charcoal grill | Allowed | Usually only in developed sites | Banned |
| Propane or liquid fuel stove with shut-off valve | Allowed | Usually allowed | Usually allowed |
| Smoking outdoors | Allowed (use care) | Only in cleared areas, vehicles or developed sites | Only in enclosed vehicles or buildings |
| Chainsaws | Allowed with spark arrester | Often allowed with spark arrester | Often banned or limited |
| Fireworks on national forests | Always prohibited | Prohibited | Prohibited |
Remember that fireworks are prohibited on national forest land at all times, regardless of fire restrictions.
Full Closures
In the most extreme conditions, or during active wildfires, agencies may close entire areas to public entry. A closure order is stronger than Stage 2. Entering a closed area is prohibited, even for hiking or driving through. Check for closures as well as restrictions.
How to Check Fire Restrictions Before a Trip
Check the managing agency website or call the local ranger district or field office, then confirm with signs at the campground or trailhead. Restrictions can start or end with little notice, so use several sources:
- The local national forest or BLM office website. Look for “Alerts,” “Fire Information” or “Fire Restrictions.”
- Call the ranger district or field office for the latest information.
- Check state fire restriction maps, many of which are run by state agencies or interagency groups in Western states.
- Look at signs at forest entrances, trailheads and campgrounds.
- Ask campground hosts in developed campgrounds.
- Check again before you leave home and when you arrive, since conditions can change during a trip.
Store a printed copy or screenshot of the current order on your phone, since cell service is often limited at dispersed sites.
California Campfire Permits
In California, a campfire permit is required to use a campfire, portable stove or lantern on federal land outside developed campgrounds and on some other lands, even when no restrictions are in place. The permit is free and available online through the state’s wildfire preparedness program, CAL FIRE, Forest Service or BLM offices. It requires watching a short educational video and agreeing to follow the rules, including clearing an area around the fire and having a shovel on hand. The permit does not override fire restrictions; when restrictions are in place, they still apply.
Penalties for Breaking Fire Restrictions
Violating a fire restriction order on national forest land is a federal offense. Under federal law, a violation can be punished by a fine of up to $5,000 for individuals or $10,000 for organizations, up to six months in prison or both. If your fire escapes and causes a wildfire, you may also be held liable for firefighting costs and damages, which can be enormous.
How to Camp Comfortably Without a Campfire
You can camp comfortably without a campfire by cooking on a stove with a shut-off valve, dressing in warm layers and using lanterns for light.
Cooking
- Use a propane camp stove with a shut-off valve. Two-burner stoves handle most camp meals. Our guide to camp stoves versus campfire cooking compares options.
- Plan no-cook or simple meals, such as wraps, salads, sandwiches and overnight oats.
- Cook at home and bring meals to reheat quickly on a stove.
- Set up your stove on a stable surface cleared of dry grass and leaves.
Warmth
- Dress in layers and bring a warm jacket, hat and gloves for evenings.
- Use an appropriate sleeping bag and pad for the expected temperature.
- Drink something hot from the stove before bed.
- Use propane heaters carefully, if allowed, and never inside a tent. Carbon monoxide is a serious risk in enclosed spaces.
Light and Atmosphere
- Use battery-powered lanterns or string lights to create a cozy campsite.
- Gather around a propane fire pit only if the order allows devices with shut-off valves. Check carefully, since some orders treat these differently from stoves.
- Stargaze. No campfire means darker skies and better views.
- Play games, tell stories or read aloud by lantern light.
Campfire Safety When Fires Are Allowed
When campfires are allowed, use an existing fire ring, keep the fire small, never leave it unattended and drown it until it is cold. The details:
- Use existing fire rings where available.
- Keep fires small and away from overhanging branches, tents and dry grass.
- Keep water and a shovel nearby.
- Never leave a fire unattended.
- Drown, stir and feel until ashes are cold to the touch before leaving or going to sleep.
Our full guide to campfire safety covers each step in detail, and the Leave No Trace principles explain how to minimize campfire impacts.
Other Ways Campers Can Start Wildfires
Fire restrictions focus on campfires and smoking, but other activities can also ignite dry vegetation:
- Parking on dry grass. Hot exhaust systems and catalytic converters can ignite grass under a vehicle.
- Dragging trailer chains. Sparks from chains hitting the road have started fires. Secure safety chains so they do not drag.
- Target shooting. Some orders restrict shooting, since bullets striking rocks can spark fires. Exploding targets are prohibited on many public lands.
- Generators and equipment without spark arresters.
What to Pack When Fires Are Restricted
When fires are restricted, pack a stove with a shut-off valve, extra fuel, warm layers, lanterns and a copy of the current order. A full list:
- A propane or liquid-fuel stove with a shut-off valve, plus extra fuel
- A pot, pan and kettle for hot meals and drinks
- An insulated jacket, warm hat and gloves for chilly evenings
- A sleeping bag rated for the expected low temperature
- Battery or rechargeable lanterns and headlamps with spare batteries
- A shovel and a full water container, which some orders and permits require even for stoves
- A printed or saved copy of the current fire restriction order
- Cards, games or a book for evening entertainment
Packing these items on every trip during fire season means you are ready whether a campfire is allowed or not.
Planning Your Trip Around Fire Season
Fire season varies by region. In much of the West, restrictions are most common from late spring through fall, depending on rain and snowpack. To reduce the chance of a disappointing trip:
- Plan for no campfire during dry months and treat a fire as a bonus.
- Choose developed campgrounds when you want the best chance of a fire under Stage 1 restrictions.
- Visit in spring or late fall for fewer restrictions in many areas.
- Bring a backup plan for cooking, warmth and evening entertainment.
- Watch for smoke and heat, which can affect health during fire season. Our guide to hot-weather camping has tips for staying safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a campfire during Stage 1 fire restrictions?
Usually only in agency-provided fire rings or grills at developed campgrounds. Campfires at dispersed sites are typically prohibited. Check the specific order.
Can I use a propane stove during Stage 2 fire restrictions?
Most Stage 2 orders allow stoves fueled by propane or liquid fuel that can be turned off with a valve, used in a cleared area. Some areas add further limits, so check the order.
Are propane fire pits allowed during fire restrictions?
It depends on the order. Some treat them like stoves with shut-off valves, while others prohibit them. Confirm with the local office.
What is the penalty for violating fire restrictions?
On national forests, violations can bring fines of up to $5,000 for individuals, up to six months in prison or both, plus liability for firefighting costs if a fire results.
Are fireworks allowed on public land?
Fireworks are prohibited on national forest land at all times, and they are banned on most other federal lands.
What is the difference between Stage 1 and Stage 2 fire restrictions?
Stage 1 allows wood and charcoal fires only in agency fire rings at developed recreation sites and limits smoking. Stage 2 bans all campfires and adds limits on equipment such as chainsaws, welding and blasting, and on driving off designated roads and trails.
The Bottom Line
Fire restrictions protect forests, communities and campers. Stage 1 usually limits campfires to developed campground fire rings, while Stage 2 typically bans campfires everywhere. Stoves with shut-off valves are generally allowed in both, making it easy to cook without a fire. Check the current order before every trip, bring a stove and warm layers and treat a campfire as a bonus rather than a guarantee during fire season.
