Wildland Fire

Fire Restrictions for 2022 Season expires Thursday, 9/22/2022 at 00:01.

July 28 , 2022 - With the increased fire danger and above normal significant wildland fire potential throughout the region, Crater Lake National Park has implemented fire restrictions.

• Campfires Wood Fires and charcoal fires are NOT allowed in Crater Lake National Park. Liquid fuel, propane camp stoves, and gas grills are permitted in campgrounds, picnic area, backcountry, and residential areas. 
• Smoking Permitted Only in these Areas 1. In vehicles, provided that an ashtray is used for ashes and butts. 2. While stopped in an area at least three (3) feet in diameter that is barren or free of all flammable materials. Ashes and butts must be disposed of safely and may not be discarded on the ground.
• Fireworks Fireworks are prohibited at all times 

The purpose of these restrictions is to ensure the safety of park visitors and employees, and for the protection of the park’s natural and cultural resources. These restrictions are dependent upon fire activity and weather conditions and will remain in effect until conditions improve. These restrictions are implemented pursuant to the authority described in 36 Code of Federal Regulations 2.13(c), 2.21(a) and 2.38 (b). Our goal is voluntary compliance; however, persons who fail to comply with these restrictions may be cited or arrested. Thank you for your cooperation.

 

More about Wildfires

• Current Fire Activity
• Wildland Fire FAQs
• Smoke and Visibility
• Fire Management
• Webcams
• Air Quality in the Park
• NPS and Wildland Fires

Important Wildland Fire Information

The links to the right offer specific information about fire activity, fire affects, and fire management within the park. But when fires occur in the region even they may impact a visit to Crater Lake National Park due to road closures or hazardous air quality. Many external websites provide valuable information during wildfire season.
 

• Consult the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map to see where fires are burning and the extent of their smoke. 
• Fire incidents in Crater lake National Park, South Central Oregon, and northwest Nevada, are reported on SCOFMP,
• Information about large fires is found on Inciweb. 
• For information on road closures visit TripCheck.
• Check the weather forecast.

 

Several wildland fires have left burned tree trunks standing along the Pacific Crest Trail. Natural recovery is a process that may take years but it begins immediately.

NPS Photo/Powell

 

Powerful and Significant

Other than volcanic activity, wildland fire may be the most powerful and significant natural process that has shaped the southern Cascade Mountain ecosystems. Virtually all vegetation communities show evidence of fire dependence or tolerance. Recent research shows that several forest types in the park have been shaped by the return of frequent fires (ranging from 9 to 37 years).

Data accumulated from 1999 to 2018 reveals that an average of 16.1 fires occur per year within Crater Lake National Park. Most wildland fires are ignited by lightning but every year an average of two fires are human caused. These fires pose a greater threat to human health and property. In 2016 there were only nine fires in the park and all of them were caused by people.

A total of ten fires consumed over 20 thousand acres in 2017. The burned forest remains part of a fully functioning ecosystem. Grasses and other herbaceous plants are thriving in the burned areas where they did not grow before the wildlifes. This provides more areas where animals can forage.