Residents across Jefferson County and the Warm Springs Reservation are reminded that fire restrictions remain in full force this week, with conditions across the region still classified as high danger even as the calendar approaches autumn.

Jefferson County Fire & EMS has maintained a full closure of open burning since early May, and that order remains in effect. No open outdoor burning is permitted in the district, with limited exceptions for approved burn barrels with screens, valid permits, and strict compliance with time and safety requirements.

Jefferson County Restrictions at a Glance

  • Open burning: CLOSED — no field, slash, or debris burning permitted
  • Burn barrels with screens allowed only if you hold a valid permit and call the burn line before igniting: 541-475-1789
  • Allowed burning hours: sunrise to 10:00 a.m. daily
  • Fires must be attended at all times and fully extinguished by 10:00 a.m.
  • A pressurized water source must be on hand
  • Backyard campfires and cooking fires may still be permitted under local regulations — call before lighting

Warm Springs: Reservation-Wide Burn Ban in Effect

On the Warm Springs Reservation, the U.S. Wildland Fire Service and Warm Springs Fire Management elevated Industrial Fire Precaution Levels this week, moving Zone 1 to Level III — the most restrictive — and Zones 2 and 3 to Level II. The reservation remains under a "high" fire danger rating, and a reservation-wide burn ban remains in place until weather conditions improve measurably.

Tribal members and visitors to the reservation are asked to observe the burn ban strictly and avoid any activities that could spark a wildfire, including off-road vehicle use in dry grass, unattended campfires, and fireworks.

Why Conditions Remain Dangerous

Mid-September can feel like fall in Central Oregon, but fire managers caution that fuel moisture in grasses and brush typically remains critically low until the region receives sustained autumn rain. Warm days, low humidity, and afternoon winds continue to create conditions where a small ignition can become a large fire quickly.

The Oregon Department of Forestry's Central Oregon district and the BLM's Prineville District are also maintaining fire restrictions across adjacent federal and state lands. Visitors to Haystack Reservoir, Cove Palisades State Park, and surrounding public lands should check current restrictions before lighting any fire.

Stay Informed

Conditions can change rapidly. Before any outdoor burning, call the Jefferson County Fire & EMS burn information line at 541-475-1789. Updates on Warm Springs fire conditions are broadcast on KWSO 91.9 FM, the Warm Springs community radio station.