Release date: July 25, 2026

Contact:

Fire Information Desk

Northwest Interagency Coordination Center

(503) 808-2764, nwc_info@firenet.gov">ornwc_info@firenet.gov

CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CREATES HIGH FIRE DANGER  

Fire Officials Seek Public Cooperation

Critical fire weather conditions, including Red Flag Watches and Warnings, are underway across the Geographic Area, creating an increased risk for rapid wildfire growth. Fire officials urge residents and visitors to help prevent wildfires by avoiding activities that could spark a fire, following local fire restrictions, and staying informed about changing conditions. The public should also monitor evacuation information and be prepared to act quickly if conditions change.

“Right now, everyone needs to be extremely careful,” said Jeff Fedrizzi, Chair of the Pacific Northwest Wildfire Coordinating Group. “Current fire conditions mean that just one spark, a discarded cigarette, or an unattended open flame can ignite the next wildfire. After the lightning we've received over the past 10 days and the number of new fires already burning across the landscape, we need the public's help to prevent additional fires and protect our firefighters, our communities, and our natural resources.”

Fire officials across Oregon and Washington remind residents and visitors that fire restrictions and area closures are in place to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during this period of extreme fire danger. Know before you go by checking local fire restrictions and area closures before recreating outdoors. Common activities that can ignite dry vegetation include mowing dry grass, driving off designated roads, operating equipment that creates sparks, and building campfires. Many of these activities are currently prohibited or restricted because of extreme fire conditions. Stay clear of active wildfire areas and firefighting operations. Do not drive to view wildfires, as traffic can delay emergency responders, hinder firefighting efforts, and create additional safety hazards. If you encounter smoke while driving, slow down and use extra caution.

Before traveling or recreating outdoors, check the latest road closures, fire restrictions, fire activity, and evacuation information:

Road Conditions 
• Oregon: TripCheck – https://tripcheck.com/ 
• Washington: WSDOT Real-Time Travel – https://wsdot.com/travel/real-time/ 

Evacuations & Emergency Alerts 
• Oregon: https://oralert.gov/ 
• Washington: https://mil.wa.gov/alerts 

Current Fire Information 
• InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/ 
• Northwest Interagency Coordination Center: https://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/  
• Air Quality: https://fire.airnow.gov/ 

Your decisions matter. Stay informed, follow local restrictions and evacuation orders, and help keep yourself, your community, and our firefighters safe. 

PORTLAND, Ore. – Statewide fire restrictions remain in effect for all Bureau of Land Management public lands throughout Oregon and Washington, and many local regions have additional restrictions in place. BLM leaders encourage all visitors to be aware of all active restrictions and closures as warmer weather continues across the Pacific Northwest.

As the region faces heightened fire danger, emergency managers are leveraging advanced ALERTWest AI-powered camera networks to detect new smoke ignitions in real time. These public-facing cameras scan regional landscapes using artificial intelligence to spot visual anomalies, allowing both emergency crews and community members to monitor active fire behavior and smoke plumes in real time.

“Technology is helping us detect fires sooner than ever before, but preventing human-caused fires still depends on the public,” said Josh O’Connor, Northwest Geographic Area Fire Chief for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service. “Following local restrictions remains one of the most effective ways people can protect their communities and public lands.”

Restrictions vary based on local fire danger, weather conditions and fuel moisture. Visitors must continue to research their destinations in advance, as local restrictions govern when visitors can use power tools, what kinds of stoves or campfires are allowed, and what type of safety equipment to have on hand. The following items remain strictly prohibited on all BLM lands in Oregon and Washington:

• Fireworks and sky lanterns
• Exploding or metallic targets
• Tracer or incendiary devices
• Steel component ammunition (core or jacket)

“Our communities and public lands are much safer when we work together,” said Kim Prill, BLM Oregon/Washington Acting State Director. “Please continue to monitor local restrictions and take every precaution to prevent human-caused wildfires as we approach the peak of fire season in the Pacific Northwest.”

Officials warn that individuals responsible for starting wildfires face up to $100,000 in fines, 12 months in prison, and liability for all firefighting suppression costs.

For more information on seasonal fire restrictions and fire closures, please see www.blm.gov/orwafire.

-BLM-

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
 

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service conducts operations in close coordination with the Bureau of Land Management. As a unified federal entity under the Department of the Interior, the USWFS integrates expertise to streamline wildfire prevention, response and recovery under our shared mission to foster fire-resilient landscapes and safeguard communities across America’s public lands.

Coeur d’Alene Physician Sentenced to 40 Months Imprisonment and $1.25 Million in Restitution for Involvement in Fraudulent Telemedicine Fraud Scheme

[MEDIA NOTE: news releases and images/digital assets are here. Please note photo credit requests]

(July 22, 2026) RIDGEFIELD, Wash. – Celebrating the true Americana  spirit of America’s 250^th, the 158th Edition of the Clark County (Washington) Fair will blast off to fun August 7 – 16. It’s all planned as the Summer’s Best Party. And it’s super affordable: admission prices are the same as last year!

Admission and concert tickets and carnival ride wristbands – with deals and discount opportunities – are now on sale at community outlets and online at https://www.clarkcofair.com/. The Clark Co Fair app – along with the new and improved Fair website – are your one stop for all Fair events, tickets, maps, food vendor and ride lists, and other details. The Clark County Fair is the region’s largest concentration of community involvement, agriculture, entertainment and amusements.

CLARK COUNTY FAIR 2026: WHAT’S HAPPENING

• Out-of-this-world (but firmly on earth) space exploration with the featured exhibit: Mars Encounters, a fully immersive, 20,000-square-foot experience will ‘transport’ all comers to how humans could live and thrive on a functioning human colony on the Red Planet. And meet Destiny, the full-scale Mars rover replica.
• Headliner concerts: Midland, I Love the ‘90s Tour and Collective Soul –low-cost reserved-seating ticket prices with your Fair admission.

• Action at the Grandstand: Bucking broncos rodeo, Hell-on-Hooves bull riding, Monster Trucks, Side-by-Side UTV racing and bring-your-own Tuff Trucks.

• Meet 2026 Fair Equestrian Court Queen Heidi and Princess River Williamson (real-life sisters) around the grounds and learn about their stellar equine skills and expertise.

• Eat your way into the Fair record books: Hangry? Come and join in these contests–  pie-eating, donut munching, watermelon slurping, cheeseburger stuffing and hot dog hounding.
• Plus, enjoy some of the region’s best Fair fare: food with a variety of delectable dishes and BBQ specialty fare.

• Cruise the midway to see the pop-up Pirate’s Parrot Show, Barnyard Racers and the DogTown dock diving shows, Break-A-Boyz dancing galore, Curly the Camel, legendary dairy women’s homemade milkshakes, and meet the 2026 American Honey Queen Delanie Craighead at the honeybee live hive.

• Check out the more than 25 high-flyin’ rides and amusements, including the giant Ferris Wheel.

• Around the Grounds: Contests for Pretty Baby, Toddler Trot and Diaper Derby and lots of great fun and educational acts at the Community Stage and Kids Park. Don’t miss Adam The Great, Tyzen The Comedy Hypnotist, Professor Smart and the biggest little cowboys, Slim and Curly.

• Note the special Honor Days: Opening Day/Fred Meyer Day with store-based vouchers for free admission between 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.; Family Day, Aug. 10; Military Appreciation Day, Aug. 11; Prime of Your Life Senior Day, Aug 12; and Kids’ Day, Aug. 13. Special admission ticket /entry discounts apply.

• The Opening Day Parade kicks off Friday, August 7 at 2 p.m., so line up along the midway for the best viewing. Plus, get all the carnival rides, stage acts, and adorable animals you can handle – that you won’t see anywhere else.

 All Fair events will be held at the Clark County Events Center and Fairgrounds at 17402 N.E. Delfel Road in Ridgefield, Washington. Fair hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Rides begin at noon daily.

“The best summertime party in southwest Washington is just around the corner, and we’re anticipating more than 250,000 visits to the Clark County Fair this summer. Much time and care have been taken to hold the true Americana spirit of the old-fashioned county fair,” said John Morrison, CEO and Fair Manager.

“We’re bringing new and fresh attractions such as the Mars Encounters, Break-A-Boyz and other grounds entertainment, the signature 3-headliner concert series and a time to shine for the young and hardworking exhibitors in our community, where all their learned skills in farming/agriculture/ grange, animal stewardship and domestic craft will be on display. And we don’t want anyone to  miss the legendary Clark County Dairy Women’s fresh milkshakes, the region’s most delicious Fair food, toddler contests, family fun, and so much more. The Fair is the highlight of the summer and is going to be so much fun!” added John Morrison.

The Clark County Fair Association’s 2026 Chair, Shelly Palmer, encourages fairgoers not to miss a thing. “This will be another strong year for the Fair as we continue to upgrade the Clark County Event Center and Fairgrounds. We’ve worked hard to improve parking and upgrade security so all can have a hassle- free Fair experience.

“We have many volunteers, supporters and sponsors to thank for again giving of their time and generosity. We welcome you and your family to visit and re-visit during our 10-day event,” added Palmer.

The daily schedule of events is viewable online at ClarkCoFair.com/schedule.

CLARK COUNTY FAIR 2026: HOURS, TICKETS and TRANSPORTATION

Visit the Clark County Fair website for updates, tickets, entertainment, food fare options and schedules at www.ClarkCoFair.com. Download the ‘Clark Co Fair’ app at https://grandstandsites.com/gs/index.php?c=CC_Fair.

Fair App

Fair Tickets

Fair Headliner Concerts

Fair Daily Schedules

ClarkCoFair.com

Fairgoers can save the $8 parking fee by riding Clark County’s best transit via C-TRAN buses and shuttles departing from several stops. Learn more at C-TRAN at https://mail.c-tran.com/fair. 

Clark County Fair 2026 Fair Hours

Friday, Aug. 7 – 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Free Admission Friday – valid from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. only with a voucher from these participating Fred Meyer stores: Hazel Dell, Salmon Creek, Battle Ground, Mill Plain, Fishers Landing, Grand Central and Orchards). Offer ends August 6 or while supplies last.

Saturday, Aug. 8 – 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 9 through Thursday, Aug. 13 – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 14 through Saturday, Aug. 15 – 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 16 – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Rides open daily at Noon

Clark County Fair 2026 Admission

Buy Now Online: Advance discounted and regular-‘All in’ priced Fair admission tickets, family packages such as Summer Sizzle and Fabulous Four Pack (online and advance only), ride ticket wristbands and concert tickets are now available online at clarkcofair.com.  The all-inclusive prices include fees and service charges.  ALL ONLINE DISCOUNT PRICING ENDS Thursday, August 6.

$11.50 Advance for Adults ($13 at gate)

$9.50 Advance for Seniors 62+ ($11 at gate)

$8.50 Advance for Youth 7-12 ($10 at gate)

Free - Children ages 6 and under

$32.00 Fabulous Four Pack – two adult + two youth admissions (online only)

$36.50 Carnival Unlimited Ride Wristband   – good for any one day at Fair

$88.00 Summer Sizzle Package – two adult + two youth admissions, includes two carnival wristbands (online only)

More Savings: Discounted Pricing at Ticket Outlets

Buy at Outlet locations: Advance discounted general admission: Available for purchase in-person at these outlets: southwest Washington area and Oregon City Wilco Farm Stores and People’s Community Federal Credit Union location through August 6. Note: cash may be required by outlets for ticket and wristband purchases.

$10 Advance for Adults

$8 Advance for Seniors 62+ 

$7 Advance for Youth 7-12

Free - Children ages 6 and under 

$35 Carnival Unlimited Ride Wristband – good for any one day at Fair

Individual tickets for carnival rides are $1 each and can be purchased at the carnival ticket booths. Most rides and amusements require 4-6 tickets.

Clark County Fair 2026: Transportation and Parking

$8 per day per vehicle. Cash, cards and tap-to-pay accepted.

(Parking pre-payment is not available).

C-TRAN takes you and your family to the Fair! Let C-TRAN do the driving. Save the parking fees by taking air-conditioned, eco-responsible buses and shuttles. Beginning Friday, Aug. 7, through Sunday, Aug. 16, C-TRAN provides Fair shuttle service.

Bonus: Take C-TRAN event shuttles - the round-trip fare is FREE from the 2026 locations below, and you get a $1 discount off full-price Fair gate admission when you present your bus transfer coupon. On C-TRAN Day on Sunday, August 9, take $2 off your Fair at-the-gate admission.

Getting There: C-TRAN picks up and drops off from the following locations. Visit C-TRAN at.c-tran.com/fair for the 2026 updated schedules. 

While shuttle schedules and dates vary slightly depending on the exact opening day, you can expect pick-ups at several key transit hubs and park-and-rides across the county:

• Vancouver Mall Transit Center (Bay H)
• 99th Street Transit Center (Bay B)
• Mill Plain Transit Center (Bay E)
• Fisher's Landing Transit Center (Bay H)
• Yacolt (at Yacolt Road and Railroad Avenue)
• Battle Ground (CAM Academy / Lewisville Intermediate School)
• La Center High School
• Ridgefield Junction Park & Ride

All shuttles drop off and pick up passengers at the fairgrounds' east entrance near the Blue Gate.

Note to The Current passengers from C-TRAN: The Clark County Fairgrounds will not be served by The Current for the duration of the Fair. To access the Fairgrounds from the Salmon Creek/WSUV service zone during this time, take The Current to 99th Street Transit Center. The last bus departs the Fairgrounds daily at 11 p.m.

# # #

About the 2026 Clark County Fair

Celebrating 158 years as the region’s classic summer community event, the 2026 Clark County Fair  (https://www.clarkcofair.com/) – happening August 7-16 – promises  the Your Party Center Concert Series headlining at the Toyota Grandstand, motor sports, carnival rides, mutton bustin’, community stage entertainment, thrills, great eats, contests, family-friendly fun, educational exhibits, farm shows and award-winning home and textile showings. The Fairgrounds are located at  17402 N.E. Delfel Road, Ridgefield, Washington, 98642.

The 2026 sponsors include Fred Meyer Stores Inc., C-TRAN, Ilani Resort, Star Rentals, Waste Connections, Toyota, Rodda Miller Paint, Vancouver Mall, Coca Cola, People's Community Federal Credit Union, Gaynor's Automotive, Odom Corporation, EZ Propane, Your Party Center, Riverview Bank, Breaking Ground Excavation, Mattress Firm, Addiction Powersports NW, Wilco Farm Stores, Springhill Suites, La Quinta/Wyndam Hotels, JW World Resources, Port of Vancouver, River City Environmental, SW Washington Learning Center, Valiant Roofing, Hampton Inn By Hilton & Suites Portland/Vancouver, Freedom Towing, Heathman Lodge, WashKings, Clark Public Utilities, T.O.D.A.Y. Foundation, Pacific Office Automation, Primo Brands, REIC Rentals, U.S. Army, Vancouver Community Midwives,  Lester’s Paint Company, Big Al’s, Dot Donuts, Haven Treatment Center, The Columbian, Tracie DeMars and McCords Vancouver RV.

Today, the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust published its Winter & Spring 2026 Grants Report. The report announces:

• 152 grants to Pacific Northwest nonprofits totaling $34,368,234.
• This includes $1,784,637 through 11 grants to nonprofits serving the Alaska community.
• The report can be found here. A full list of Strategic Project grants can be found here.

The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust is a private, nonprofit foundation that has invested more than $1.5 billion in nonprofits serving the Pacific Northwest since 1975. For details, please visit our website murdocktrust.org.

Today, the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust published its Winter & Spring 2026 Grants Report. The report announces:

• 152 grants to Pacific Northwest nonprofits totaling $34,368,234.
• This includes $11,841,367 through 55 grants to nonprofits serving the Washington community.
• The report can be found here. A full list of Strategic Project grants can be found here.

The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust is a private, nonprofit foundation that has invested more than $1.5 billion in nonprofits serving the Pacific Northwest since 1975. For details, please visit our website murdocktrust.org.