Fire officials across Central Oregon delivered welcome news just in time for Labor Day weekend: public use fire restrictions on national forests, grasslands, and Bureau of Land Management lands have been reduced from Stage 2 to Stage 1, effective 12:01 a.m. Saturday, September 5.

The decision, announced Thursday by fire managers on the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests, Crooked River National Grassland, and the Prineville District BLM, reflects a notable improvement in fire weather conditions following a stretch of increased moisture and cooler temperatures across the region.

What Stage 1 Means

Stage 1 restrictions still prohibit open fires — including wood fires, charcoal fires, and wood stoves — on public lands generally. However, campfires are now permitted at a list of designated campgrounds, giving outdoor recreationists more flexibility heading into the long weekend.

For Jefferson County residents and visitors, the most relevant exception is Skull Hollow Campground on the Crooked River National Grassland, where campfires are now allowed under Stage 1 rules. Haystack Reservoir Campground is also included on the approved list.

Campfire restrictions remain in effect for the Deschutes National Forest Wilderness Areas, which are excluded from Stage 1 allowances — so backcountry campers in those zones should continue to use stoves only.

A Long, Dry Fire Season Winds Down

The easing of restrictions marks a meaningful turning point in what has been a demanding fire season for Central Oregon. Jefferson County and surrounding areas spent much of the summer under elevated fire danger, with drought conditions covering the majority of the county and fire crews responding to multiple incidents in July and August.

Fire officials caution that Stage 1 is not an all-clear. Conditions can change quickly in high desert terrain, and the risk of human-caused ignitions remains real even as autumn approaches.

"We appreciate the public's patience and cooperation throughout the summer. The cooler, wetter weather has helped, but fire danger doesn't disappear overnight. Please continue to use fire responsibly," fire managers said in Thursday's announcement.

Key Campgrounds Where Fires Are Now Allowed

  • Crooked River National Grassland: Skull Hollow Campground, Haystack Reservoir Campground
  • Ochoco National Forest: Walton Lake, Ochoco Divide, Ochoco Forest, Wildcat, Antelope Flat Reservoir, Deep Creek, Sugar Creek, Wolf Creek, Cottonwood Pit
  • Prineville District BLM: Castle Rock, Chimney Rock, Cobble Rock, Lone Pine, Palisades, Poison Butte, Post Pile, Still Water

Stage 1 Prohibited Activities

Even with the downgrade, Stage 1 still prohibits the following on public lands outside designated campgrounds:

  • Open fires of any kind, including charcoal and wood stoves
  • Fireworks
  • Smoking except in an enclosed vehicle or building
  • Operating any internal combustion engine without a properly maintained spark arrester

Residents are encouraged to check centraloregonfire.org for the latest restriction maps and campground-specific rules before heading out. Fire danger can shift quickly, and restrictions may be raised again if conditions deteriorate.