With fire danger rated at Extreme across the region, fire managers are reminding Jefferson County residents and visitors that Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions remain in effect on federal public lands throughout Central Oregon.
The restrictions cover the Deschutes National Forest, the Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland, and the Prineville District Bureau of Land Management lands — all of which border or fall within Jefferson County’s recreation zones.
What Stage 1 Prohibits
Under Stage 1 restrictions, the following are prohibited on affected public lands:
- Open fires of any kind, including wood stoves and charcoal briquette fires, except in designated campgrounds and specified wilderness areas
- Smoking except inside a vehicle, building, or within a 3-foot area cleared of all flammable material
- Driving or parking on dry grass
- Operating chainsaws or portable generators between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Fireworks are always prohibited on National Forest System lands in Central Oregon, regardless of fire restrictions. They are currently also prohibited on BLM-administered lands.
Extreme Means Fast-Moving
Fire danger rated “Extreme” is the highest level on the scale. Under these conditions, new fire starts are likely to spread rapidly and become difficult to control. Even a small ignition — from a spark, a campfire ember, or discarded cigarette — can quickly grow into a large wildfire given current hot, dry, and windy conditions across Jefferson County.
The 2026 fire season was officially declared effective May 8 by the Oregon State Forester, but conditions have intensified significantly in recent weeks. The Oregon Department of Forestry has already placed multiple units, including the Prineville Unit, under regulated use closure.
For Jefferson County Residents
Residents in the Madras area, Culver, Metolius, Crooked River Ranch, and communities near Warm Springs should be particularly aware of fire conditions on adjacent federal and state lands. Many recreational spots popular with locals — including areas near the Deschutes River, Smith Rock, and the Cascades foothills — fall under these restrictions.
To report a wildfire, call 9-1-1. For current fire restrictions and updates, call the Central Oregon Fire Use Information Line at 1-800-523-4737 or visit centraloregonfire.org. For smoke and air quality information, visit fire.airnow.gov.
The July 4th holiday is approaching. With Extreme fire danger, residents and visitors should plan accordingly and avoid any activities that could spark a fire.