09/04/2026
September is still prime wildfire season and heading into Labor Day weekend, extra preparation matters.
Cooler nights can make a campfire tempting. But after a long, hot summer, forests and grasslands across the West are dry and primed to burn. Before lighting one, check local restrictions and then ask yourself: Even if a fire is allowed, is it a responsible choice today? In many places, the answer may be no.
If conditions are safe and fires are permitted, come prepared with:
» Plenty of water
» A bucket
» A shovel
» An established, cleared fire ring
» A way to call for help—or a plan if you’re outside cell service
When you’re done: 𝐃𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐢𝐭. 𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐫 𝐢𝐭. 𝐃𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.
Before heading out, use onX wildfire layers to see active fires nearby and confirm current restrictions with the local land-management agency. Sometimes the most responsible campfire is no campfire at all.
