A welcome shift in weather is prompting federal land managers to dial back fire restrictions across Central Oregon, offering some relief to campers, hunters, and recreationists heading into early fall — though Jefferson County's residential burn ban on private property remains fully in effect.

Effective September 5, officials on the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests, Crooked River National Grassland, and the Prineville District Bureau of Land Management reduced Public Use Fire Restrictions from Stage 2 to Stage 1, citing increased moisture and cooler temperatures that have settled across the region over the past week.

What Stage 1 Means for Recreationists

Under Stage 1 restrictions, campfires in designated fire rings are now permitted at a number of developed campgrounds — including Skull Hollow Campground and Haystack Reservoir Campground on the Crooked River National Grassland, and several sites on the Ochoco National Forest including Walton Lake, Ochoco Divide, and Wildcat campgrounds.

However, open fires remain prohibited on dispersed public lands outside of those designated sites. Liquid and pressurized gas stoves, lanterns, and fire pits with an on/off switch are allowed across all areas.

Smoking is restricted except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a designated campground, or while stopped in a cleared area of at least three feet in diameter free of flammable material.

A Different Story on Private Land

The federal easement applies only to public lands managed by the Forest Service and BLM. Jefferson County's separate, county-wide burn ban — which prohibits open burning on private property, including yard debris piles, agricultural burning, and recreational campfires outside of established facilities — remains fully in force through fire season.

Jefferson County Fire & EMS has been clear that the county ban is not affected by changes to federal public lands rules. Residents who attempt to burn on private property during the county ban can face fines.

Context: A Hard Summer

The easing comes after one of the most active fire seasons in recent Jefferson County history. The Round Butte Fire burned more than 1,100 acres in August, and Oregon DEQ issued air quality advisories for Jefferson County through early September as smoke from regional fires pushed air quality into the unhealthy range on multiple days.

The transition to Stage 1 is a sign that conditions are improving — but fire managers emphasize that the 2026 fire season is not officially over.

Before You Head Out

  • Check current Deschutes National Forest restrictions: fs.usda.gov/deschutes
  • Check current air quality: airnow.gov
  • Jefferson County burn restriction info: jeffco.net or call Jefferson County Fire & EMS at (541) 475-3737

Conditions can change rapidly. Recreationists are encouraged to verify current rules before lighting any fire on public lands.