With a drought declaration in effect, record-low snowpack, and the Fourth of July ahead, Jefferson County Fire & EMS is asking residents to take wildfire preparedness seriously this summer.

With fire danger rated at EXTREME across Central Oregon, Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions are in effect on the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests, Crooked River National Grassland, and Prineville District BLM lands. Open campfires are prohibited, and chainsaw and generator use is banned during afternoon hours.

The Oregon Health Authority has downgraded its recreational use advisory for Lake Billy Chinook, saying cyanotoxin levels are now safe for human activities. However, a precaution remains in place for dogs and other pets, and county leaders are calling on OHA for better communication with local communities.

A months-long CODE and DEA investigation targeting two Madras residents accused of distributing commercial quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine across Central Oregon ended Wednesday with seven arrests, a high-speed chase, and a search warrant executed at a Southeast Grizzly Road home.

Open burning is closed countywide. Fireworks are banned in Oregon State Parks and on all federal lands. Here’s what’s allowed — and what isn’t — as Jefferson County heads into a high-risk Independence Day weekend.

A joint CODE and DEA investigation targeting a SE Grizzly Road home culminated Wednesday night in a vehicle pursuit, a PIT maneuver, and two searches — leaving seven people facing charges ranging from fentanyl delivery to felon in possession of a firearm.

A multi-agency drug investigation spanning months came to a dramatic close Wednesday night in Madras, ending in a high-speed chase, a PIT maneuver, and the arrest of seven people on charges ranging from drug delivery to felon in possession of a firearm.

With fire danger at the extreme level, burn restrictions in place since May, and a long holiday weekend approaching, Jefferson County Fire & EMS and state forestry officials are urging residents to be especially vigilant. Here is a complete rundown of what is and is not allowed.

With thousands of Central Oregon families expected to visit Lake Billy Chinook this weekend, state health officials are urging caution: toxic algae levels remain above safe limits, and the advisory now covers the entire lake.

A months-long investigation by the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement team and the DEA culminated Wednesday night in the arrest of seven people, including two Madras residents suspected of dealing commercial quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine throughout Central Oregon.

With Central Oregon fire danger rated EXTREME and a burn ban in effect since May, Jefferson County Fire & EMS is urging residents to take serious precautions heading into the Fourth of July holiday — even as fireworks remain legal.