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Public Safety
Public Safety
Fire Season Is Here: Central Oregon Under Regulated Use Closure Since May 18
Oregon's 2026 fire season officially began May 8, and the Oregon Department of Forestry's Prineville Unit — which covers much of Jefferson County — has been under a Regulated Use Closure since May 18. Here's what that means for residents, recreationists, and property owners.
Public Safety
Madras Family Loses Home, RV, and Dozens of Animals in NE Collins Drive Fire
A family of three lost the RV they called home and dozens of birds and animals when fire consumed a condemned property on NE Collins Drive in Madras on May 26. One firefighter was treated for exhaustion, and the cause remains under investigation.
Public Safety
Explosion-Sparked House Fire Displaces Four on SE Turner Street
Jefferson County Fire & EMS responded to a structure fire Tuesday morning in the 600 block of Southeast Turner Street after an initial report of an explosion inside a residence. All four occupants escaped safely, but the family was displaced and investigators are working to determine the cause.
Public Safety
House Fire on SE Turner Street: No Injuries, Cause Under Investigation
Jefferson County Fire & EMS responded to a house fire on SE Turner Street in Madras on Tuesday morning. The home had been evacuated before crews arrived, and no one was injured. The Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause.
Public Safety
Lightning-Sparked Jordan Road Fire Near Lake Billy Chinook Reaches 50% Containment
A lightning-caused wildfire that broke out Sunday afternoon five miles southwest of Lake Billy Chinook is now 50% contained, with all evacuation orders lifted. The Jordan Road fire reached 7.5 acres and prompted Level 1 and Level 2 evacuations before crews gained the upper hand.
Public Safety
Home and Trailer Destroyed in Fire Six Miles North of Madras
A fire destroyed a home and a nearby trailer located approximately six miles north of Madras. Photos from the scene showed both structures fully engulfed in flames as firefighters responded.
Public Safety
UPDATE: Evacuation Warnings Lifted for Jordan Fire Near Lake Billy Chinook
Level 1 and Level 2 evacuation warnings issued Monday afternoon for the Jordan Fire southwest of Lake Billy Chinook have been lifted as of Tuesday morning, with interagency crews reporting no structures currently threatened.
Public Safety
Wildfire Danger Rising: What Jefferson County Residents Need to Know Before Fire Season Peaks
With burn bans already in effect, a lightning fire just southwest of Lake Billy Chinook, and state officials warning of a severe 2026 fire season, Jefferson County residents are being urged to prepare now — before conditions worsen.
Public Safety
Lightning-Sparked Wildfire Burns Near Lake Billy Chinook; One Structure Threatened
A lightning-caused wildfire broke out Monday afternoon about five miles southwest of Lake Billy Chinook, scorching 6.5 acres of grass, brush, and timber before firefighters halted its forward progress.
Public Safety
Expect 20-Minute Delays on Highway 26 Near Warm Springs Through Mid-June
ODOT and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs are removing approximately 1,000 hazardous trees along U.S. Highway 26 between Warm Springs and Mount Hood. Travelers should plan for 20-minute delays or more through mid-June.
Public Safety
Fire Season Is Here: Campfires, Fireworks, and Chainsaws Now Restricted Across Central Oregon
The 2026 fire season officially began May 8, and Central Oregon public lands moved into Stage 1 fire restrictions on May 18. Campfires are now prohibited except at designated campgrounds. Jefferson County residents heading outdoors this summer need to know the rules before they go.
Public Safety
Home and Trailer Destroyed in Fire Six Miles North of Madras
A fire destroyed a home and a nearby trailer approximately six miles north of Madras, with photos showing both structures fully engulfed — another reminder of the elevated fire risk facing Jefferson County as the 2026 fire season intensifies.