Section
Public Safety
Public Safety
Extreme Fire Danger Declared Across Central Oregon — Stage 1 Restrictions Now in Effect
Fire danger has reached the "extreme" rating across Central Oregon public lands as the region enters its first full week of summer with no relief in sight. Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions are now in effect on the Deschutes National Forest, Ochoco National Forest, Crooked River National Grassland, and Prineville District Bureau of Land Management lands.
Public Safety
Open Burning Closed in Jefferson County as Fire Season Arrives Early
Jefferson County Rural Fire District 1 has shut down open burning — earlier than its typical June 1 seasonal closure — following high winds and multiple runaway brush fires. Combined with statewide Stage 1 fire restrictions on federal and state public lands, Jefferson County residents face one of the most aggressive fire seasons in years.
Public Safety
Fire Danger Elevated to HIGH Across Central Oregon as All ODF Districts Enter Fire Season
Fire danger has been raised to HIGH across south-central Oregon, with campfire restrictions and industrial precautions now in effect. The Central Oregon ODF district was the first in the state to declare fire season, doing so on May 8.
Public Safety
Fire Season Is Here: Red Flag Warnings, Burn Bans, and What Jefferson County Residents Must Know Now
With high fire danger across Central Oregon, burn bans prohibiting campfires and yard debris burning are in effect. A Red Flag Warning was issued this week for the Central Mountains. Forecasters warn the 2026 season could be one of Oregon's most severe in years.
Public Safety
Sheriff's Log: Shots Fired in Culver, Pursuit Near Metolius, Contraband Found at Jail
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office released its log for the week of June 8–14, documenting a string of serious incidents including a firearms arrest in Culver, a high-speed juvenile pursuit on Highway 361, and a contraband discovery inside the county jail.
Public Safety
Health Advisory: Toxic Algae Bloom Detected at Lake Billy Chinook
The Oregon Health Authority has issued a recreational use health advisory for Lake Billy Chinook after detecting a harmful cyanobacteria bloom. Residents and visitors are urged to avoid swimming and high-speed water activities.
Public Safety
FBI Seeks Additional Victims in Sexual Assault Case Tied to Warm Springs Reservation
The FBI is asking anyone with information about additional crimes committed by Robert Ray Warner to come forward. Warner was arrested by Warm Springs Police in November 2025 after allegedly sexually assaulting a woman on the outskirts of the reservation.
Public Safety
Jefferson County Under Full Fire Restrictions as Oregon Fire Season Officially Begins
With statewide fire season now in effect and Jefferson County already under a regulated use closure, officials are urging extreme caution as drought conditions set the stage for a dangerous summer.
Public Safety
Open Burning Closed Countywide: Jefferson County Fire Season Begins in Earnest
Jefferson County Fire & EMS has closed all open burning as of May 4, with summer restrictions now in full effect. State forestry officials warn that fire risk east of the Cascades is above normal beginning this month, with a dry spring and low snowpack fueling concerns.
Public Safety
Lake Billy Chinook Turns Bright Green: Cyanotoxin Advisory Issued Just as Summer Vacation Begins
The Oregon Health Authority has issued a recreational use advisory for Lake Billy Chinook due to toxic cyanobacteria blooms detected in the Crooked River arm near Cove Palisades. Swimmers and families with young children are urged to stay out of the water.
Public Safety
Jordan Fire Near Lake Billy Chinook Contained; Officials Warn Fire Season Is Here
A June 1 wildfire near Lake Billy Chinook burned two acres and prompted brief evacuation warnings before being contained. The Jordan Fire is a reminder that fire season is underway — and Oregon officials are warning 2026 could be severe.
Public Safety
Swim Advisory in Effect for Lake Billy Chinook: Toxic Algae Detected
The Oregon Health Authority issued a recreational health advisory for Lake Billy Chinook on June 12 due to cyanotoxins above safe recreational levels. Swimmers and pet owners are urged to stay out of affected areas.