Jefferson County is heading into a Fourth of July weekend under extreme fire danger — the highest category on the fire danger rating scale, signifying that new fire starts are likely to spread rapidly. The conditions are not a surprise: the county entered 2026 with record-low snowpack, a drought declaration was approved by commissioners in March, and AccuWeather and state climatologists have warned that this fire season could be among the most dangerous in years.

What’s Currently Restricted

Jefferson County Fire & Rescue District 1 closed all open burning on May 3, 2026 — and that ban remains in full effect. On public lands throughout Central Oregon, Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions have been in place since mid-May, applying to the Deschutes National Forest, Ochoco National Forest, Crooked River National Grassland, and Prineville District BLM lands.

Under Stage 1 restrictions on public lands, the following are prohibited:

  • All open fires, including campfires, wood stoves, and charcoal fires (except in designated campgrounds and certain wilderness areas)
  • Smoking except inside a vehicle, building, or a cleared 3-foot area free of flammable material
  • Driving or parking on dry grass
  • Operating chainsaws or portable generators between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Fireworks are always prohibited on National Forest System lands and are currently prohibited on BLM-administered lands as well. Fireworks are not currently banned on private property within city limits, but Jefferson County Fire & EMS is urging extreme caution for anyone who uses them.

Why This Year Is Different

Jefferson County was among the 50 most wildfire-impacted counties in the United States in 2025. This year’s conditions are, in many respects, worse. Snowpack in the Central Cascades remained near record lows through winter and spring, meaning fuel moisture levels are unusually low heading into peak fire season. The county’s drought declaration, approved in March, reflects a region under serious water stress.

The Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center currently rates fire danger as extreme across the area.

What You Can Do

Jefferson County Fire & EMS interim Chief Kasey Skaar and administrative assistant LeeAnn Bowman have outlined key actions residents should take now, before fire danger forces the issue:

  • Create defensible space: Clear dry grass, pine needles, and combustible materials at least 30 feet around structures
  • Keep lawns mowed short to reduce surface fuel
  • Clear driveways and road access so emergency vehicles can reach your property
  • Have an evacuation plan and know your evacuation zone
  • Call 9-1-1 immediately if you see smoke or fire — do not wait to confirm it

Resources

For current fire conditions and restrictions, visit centraloregonfire.org or call the Central Oregon Fire Use Information Line at 1-800-523-4737. Smoke and air quality information is available at fire.airnow.gov. To check your evacuation zone, visit the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office or jefferson county emergency management resources online.

Stay smart this holiday weekend — a single careless spark could have catastrophic consequences for Jefferson County’s communities and landscape.