Jefferson County residents and outdoor recreationists should be aware that fire restrictions are now in full effect across much of the region — weeks ahead of when such closures typically go into place.

The Oregon Department of Forestry issued a Regulated Use Closure for its Prineville Unit, Fossil Sub-Unit, and Sisters Sub-Unit, effective May 18, 2026. The closure covers Jefferson, Crook, Deschutes, Gilliam, and Wheeler counties and applies to private and state forestlands protected by ODF.

What Is and Isn't Allowed

Under the Regulated Use Closure, the following activities are prohibited or restricted:

  • Open fires banned — including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires, and warming fires, except in designated areas. Portable camp stoves and bottled fuel appliances are permitted in clear, vegetation-free areas.
  • Chainsaws restricted — prohibited between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. At other times, a fire watch and firefighting equipment are required.
  • Metal cutting and welding restricted — same hours as chainsaws.
  • Off-road vehicles prohibited except on improved roads, with exceptions for landowners conducting agricultural or livelihood activities.
  • Fireworks prohibited
  • Blasting prohibited
  • Backyard debris burning prohibited
  • Exploding targets and tracer ammunition prohibited

Motorized vehicles traveling off federal and state highways or county roads must carry one shovel and one gallon of water, or an approved fire extinguisher.

Why So Early?

ODF officials noted that Central Oregon is experiencing fire conditions that are typically seen in mid-June — nearly a month ahead of schedule. A dry winter, below-average snowpack, and an early stretch of hot and windy weather have left vegetation unusually parched.

The Zen Fire, which broke out south of Clarno on May 25 and burned 1,000 acres overnight, illustrated the dangers. A separate six-acre fire at the old Warm Springs Forest Products mill site was also reported over the weekend.

Stage 1 Restrictions on Federal Lands

On federal public lands in Central Oregon — including areas managed by the U.S. Forest Service and BLM — Central Oregon Fire Management Service activated Stage 1 fire restrictions on May 18. Those restrictions ban campfires outside of designated campgrounds, prohibit woodcutting between 1 and 8 p.m., and ban fireworks.

Jefferson County's own burn ban has been in effect since May 4. Residents are asked to check with Jefferson County Fire and EMS for the latest local status before conducting any outdoor burning activities.