Oregon Department of Forestry - North Cascade District

09/04/2026

The rains came in providing some much-needed relief across the state and here in our own district. THE NORTH CASCADE DISTRICT IS STILL IN FIRE SEASON there is no burning except recreational fires at designated sites.

Please continue to follow all current fire restrictions and remain vigilant. Conditions can change quickly, and a few cooler or wetter days do not mean the fire season is over.

Thank you for continuing to help keep our communities and forests safe

09/02/2026

Fire Restrictions Update – North Cascade District

The North Cascade District will be moving to IFPL 1 and
Public Use Restriction – Moderate as of Thursday September 3rd at 1201am.

Please see our chart attached.
Recreational fires allowed Only at Designated Sites

The following are allowed all day:

Non-industrial chain saws

Motor vehicles allowed on improved roads

Off-Road Motorized Vehicles on designated trails and
unimproved roads, must have 2.5 lb or larger ABC fire extinguisher.

Cutting, Grinding or Welding of Metal

Mowing/Cutting of dried, cured grass

Other Spark-emitting Internal Combustion Engine

As conditions improve, we are able to reduce some
restrictions; however, fire season is still in effect, and everyone is
encouraged to continue using caution and following the current restrictions.

Please make sure you are familiar with the current Public
Use Restrictions before heading outdoors.

Stay safe and help us prevent human-caused wildfires!

09/01/2026

Public Input Needed: Little North Fork of the Santiam River Recreation Planning

Marion County, the USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Oregon Department of Forestry are working together on a Recreation Management Plan (RMP) for the North Fork Corridor along the Little North Fork of the Santiam River.

Following the impacts of the 2020 Beachie Creek Fire, the agencies are working to develop a long-term, collaborative approach to recreation management that balances public access, visitor safety, natural resource protection, and quality recreation opportunities.

The North Fork Corridor stretches approximately 20 miles along North Fork Road and the Little North Santiam River, from Highway 22 near Lyons to the Opal Creek Wilderness.
Your input matters! The public is invited to attend an open house, ask questions, learn more about the planning effort, and share ideas about the future of recreation in the corridor.

📍 Salem Open House
Monday, September 14
4:30–7:30 p.m.
Salem Kroc Center
1865 Bill Frey Dr., Salem

📍 Lyons Open House
Tuesday, September 15
5:00–6:30 p.m.
Lyons Fire Department
1114 Main St., Lyons

An online survey and virtual open house will also be available for those unable to attend in person.
Learn more and follow project updates through Marion County Parks.

This is an opportunity for local residents and recreation users to help shape the future of the Little North Fork corridor. We encourage you to get involved and share your voice!

https://www.co.marion.or.us/parks

08/31/2026

Just a heads up: The smoke you’re seeing in the air today is from a shift in the winds around the Austin, The Narrows, and Mitchell Fires in the Mt. Hood area.

The wind shift is bringing smoke into our area, so you may notice increased smoke and haze throughout the day. Smoke conditions can change quickly as winds shift.

08/31/2026

Even though it is starting to feel like fall with the cooler temperatures, and the rain forecasted to begin Wednesday which should provide some much-needed relief across the state and here in our own district, THE NORTH CASCADE DISTRICT IS STILL IN FIRE SEASON.

Please continue to follow all current fire restrictions and remain vigilant. Conditions can change quickly, and a few cooler or wetter days do not mean the fire season is over.

Thank you for continuing to help keep our communities and forests safe.

08/28/2026

08/28/2026

08/22/2026

Community Meeting Flyer for Austin, The Narrows & Mitchell Fires

What: Community Meeting
When: Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Where: Estacada High School, 355 NE 6th Ave. Estacada, Oregon

Community members are invited to attend a public meeting to receive the latest information on the Austin, The Narrows, and Mitchell Fires, including current suppression efforts, evacuation information, and planned operations. Representatives from local and federal agencies will provide updates and answer questions from the public.

UPDATE: The presentation portion of the meeting will be live-streamed on Austin, The Narrows, and Mitchell Fires page. Information officers will monitor online questions and work to answer them within 24-hours.

08/22/2026

The North Cascade District will move to Public Use Restriction – High and IFPL 2 effective Saturday, August 22, 2026.

Please see the attached chart for a complete list of restrictions and updates.

Activities Allowed Before 1:00 p.m. or After 8:00 p.m.

The following activities are allowed before 1:00 p.m. or after 8:00 p.m.:

Non-industrial chain saws
Motor vehicles
Off-road motorized vehicles
Cutting, grinding, or welding of metal
Mowing or cutting dried, cured grass
Other spark-emitting internal combustion engines
Recreational Fires

Recreational fires are allowed only at designated sites. This includes:

Campfires
Charcoal fires
Cooking fires
Warming fires

Portable appliances, such as camp stoves and fire pits using liquefied or bottled fuels, are allowed in clear areas free of flammable vegetation.

Where open fires and portable appliances are allowed, the following is required:

One shovel and one gallon of water, OR
One shovel and one 2.5-pound fire extinguisher

Please review the updated restrictions carefully and help us keep fires off the landscape as we move into these increased fire conditions.

08/20/2026