With temperatures rising and conditions drying out across the high desert, fire officials have elevated the fire danger level to HIGH across south-central Oregon — and Jefferson County residents should be aware of tightened rules now in effect.

The South-Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership raised the fire danger and bumped the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) to Level II effective June 17, citing warming temperatures, low humidity, and breezy conditions. The National Weather Service also issued a red flag warning for portions of Central Oregon earlier this week.

What’s Restricted

Under current High fire danger and Level II IFPL restrictions, the following rules apply on public, private, state and federal lands managed by the partnership:

  • Campfires are permitted only in designated campgrounds — not dispersed sites
  • Smoking is limited to enclosed vehicles and buildings, developed recreation sites, waterways, or areas cleared of vegetation
  • Welding, open-flame torches, fireworks and explosives are prohibited on federal lands
  • Woodcutting and certain equipment operations are prohibited from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Power-saw use, cable yarding, blasting, and metal cutting are also restricted during afternoon hours
  • A one-hour fire watch is required after work stops

Additionally, all Oregon Department of Forestry districts statewide entered fire season as of June 15 — meaning backyard debris burning either requires a burn permit or is prohibited altogether, depending on your jurisdiction. Central Oregon’s ODF district was the first in the state to declare fire season this year, declaring on May 8, 2026.

An Early and Potentially Severe Season

AccuWeather and Oregon fire officials have warned that the 2026 wildfire season could be longer and more severe than average, driven by drought, historically low snowpack, and extreme heat. An evacuation-level fire in the region in late May — when a runaway burn pile on Rodeo Lane southeast of Madras prompted a Level 1 evacuation for the Ranchos neighborhood — illustrated how quickly conditions can escalate.

Residents across Jefferson County, Crooked River Ranch, and the Warm Springs area are encouraged to review their evacuation zones, ensure defensible space around structures, and avoid any outdoor burning during this period.

Resources

  • Current fire restrictions map: centraloregonfire.org
  • ODF restrictions: oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx
  • Jefferson County Emergency Management: jeffco.net

Violations of fire restrictions may result in citations and fines. When in doubt, don’t burn.