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Fires, like the 2003 Panther Fire pictured here, occur infrequently at Mount Rainier National Park. However, they still have the power to shape the landscape, affect air quality, and cause both negative health issues and poor visibility.
NPS Photo
For millennia, wildland fire has played an important role in shaping the landscape around Mount Rainier. Fires have benefitted the ecosystem by removing dead wood accumulation, opening the canopy and allowing sunlight through to the floor of dense forests. Fire has also allowed for the recycling of nutrients to the soil, which encourages the germination and regrowth of plants, shrubs, and trees. But while natural fire processes are important, they also affect air quality, cause health issues and poor visibility.
The park's primary goal is to suppress fires (actively putting out any fire that starts). The current fire management program is designed to protect natural and cultural resources but life and property are always the highest priorities during any firefighting activity. In-depth information on fire management in the park is available in the Mount Rainier National Park Fire Management Plan.
What You Need to Know Now
No Active Wildland Fires as of August 1, 2025
For a broad view of wildland fires and other incidents happening in or around the park, check the intragency information map InciWeb.
Active Parkwide Fire Ban as of June 10, 2025
Mount Rainier National Park has implemented a parkwide fire ban that began Tuesday, June 10, 2025 until further notice.
All campfires and the ignition of wood, briquettes, or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans, and barbeque grills will be prohibited. This ban is in place to reduce the risk of human-caused wildland fire.
Fire ban includes all developed campgrounds, including White River and Cougar Rock. Ohanapecosh is closed for construction.
There is a significant fire potential outlook for Summer 2025.
Since March 2025, a moderate drought as been affecting the Pacific Northwest region, including areas within and around Mount Rainier National Park with hot, dry, above normal temperatures and below normal percipitation. Source: Drought.gov.
Within Mount Rainier, an acceleration in tree mortality has been identified due to drought and disease with a heavy amount of down woody material offering higher amounts of fuel.
