The Zen Fire, burning in Wheeler, Wasco, and Jefferson counties near Clarno, grew to 1,635 acres before crews made significant progress — but the fire's rapid early spread has renewed alarm about what may be a dangerous 2026 wildfire season.

Unusually warm and dry spring conditions have pushed campfire restrictions two to three weeks earlier than normal across Central Oregon's public lands, including the Crooked River National Grassland and Ochoco National Forest. Oregon's official fire season begins Friday, May 30.

A wildfire that broke out Sunday afternoon south of Clarno grew rapidly to 1,000 acres by nightfall, pulling in hotshot crews and aerial resources from across the region. The blaze remained at zero percent containment but did not grow overnight.

AccuWeather and Oregon state fire officials are sounding the alarm about the 2026 wildfire season, citing record-low snowpack, historic drought, and dry vegetation. Jefferson County has been under summer burn restrictions since May 4.

Warm, dry conditions have prompted an early and broad sweep of fire restrictions across Central Oregon public lands — including ODF's regulated use closure and Stage 1 restrictions on federal land — just in time to affect Memorial Day weekend camping.

Stage 1 fire restrictions went into effect on May 18 across Central Oregon public lands. Campgrounds are at or near capacity — here is what you need to know before you head out this weekend.

Summer burning restrictions took effect in Jefferson County on May 4, and fire officials are warning that the 2026 wildfire season could be one of the worst in years due to low snowpack, drought, and warm temperatures arriving early.

Stage 1 public use fire restrictions took effect May 18 on the Deschutes and Ochoco national forests, Crooked River National Grassland, and Prineville District BLM lands. Campfires are prohibited except at a limited list of designated campgrounds.

As of May 18, campfires are banned across most Central Oregon public lands, including the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and Crooked River National Grassland. The 2026 fire season officially began May 8.

The Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training is meeting today, May 21, to consider revoking Tyler Anderson’s police certification. Anderson, who is running against incumbent Sheriff Jason Pollock in November, was fired from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in 2025 amid allegations of dishonesty and misconduct.

Campfires are now banned on most Central Oregon federal public lands as fire danger reaches 'high' — and Jefferson County's open burn ban has been in place since early May.