Jefferson County residents and visitors heading out to enjoy the Labor Day weekend on public lands got a measure of relief Friday night: Central Oregon fire officials reduced Public Use Fire Restrictions from Stage 2 to Stage 1, effective at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, September 5.

The reduction applies to the Deschutes National Forest, Ochoco National Forest, Crooked River National Grassland, and the Prineville District Bureau of Land Management — all of which cover significant portions of land surrounding Jefferson County and the Warm Springs Reservation.

What Stage 1 Means for You

The downgrade brings some relief, but Stage 1 is not a green light. Open fires — including wood stoves and charcoal briquette fires — remain prohibited on Central Oregon public lands. Exceptions apply only within Deschutes National Forest Wilderness Areas and a list of designated campgrounds, including Haystack Reservoir Campground and Skull Hollow Campground on the Crooked River National Grassland.

Liquid and pressurized gas stoves, lanterns, and fire pits with an on/off switch are permitted outside designated campgrounds on most federal lands.

Key Rules Under Stage 1

  • Campfires: Prohibited except at designated campgrounds and Wilderness Areas noted above
  • Chainsaws: Prohibited between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; operators must carry a long-handled shovel and an 8-oz. ABC fire extinguisher and observe a one-hour fire watch after use
  • Portable generators: Permitted only in areas cleared of flammable material within a 10-foot diameter, equipped with an approved spark arrestor
  • Smoking: Prohibited except inside an enclosed vehicle or building, or within a designated campground

River Corridor Restrictions Remain in Effect

Open flames remain prohibited on BLM lands along designated stretches of the Crooked River, Deschutes River, John Day River, White River, Lake Billy Chinook, and Lake Simtustus under annual river corridor restrictions that have been in place since May 13, 2026. Those rules are separate from the seasonal fire restriction levels and do not change with the Stage 1 reduction.

Fire Danger Still Rated High

Despite the improvement, fire officials emphasized that the regional fire danger rating remains at High — meaning unattended fires are likely to spread rapidly. Residents are urged to remain vigilant, especially as Labor Day weekend typically brings increased outdoor activity across the region.

Residents with questions about current restrictions can visit centraloregonfire.org or call their local ranger district office.