Campfire bans on Central Oregon public lands went into effect May 18 — two to three weeks earlier than typical — as wildfire officials warn that 2026 could become one of the most dangerous fire seasons on record for the Pacific Northwest.

“We are increasingly concerned that 2026 could rival the most extreme years on record for heat and dryness in the Pacific Northwest,” said Jeff Fedrizzi, assistant chief of operations for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service in the Pacific Northwest.

What’s Restricted

Level 1 fire restrictions currently prohibit open fires on most public lands in the region, including:

  • Deschutes National Forest
  • Ochoco National Forest
  • Crooked River National Grassland
  • Prineville District Bureau of Land Management lands (including areas around Lake Simtustus and Lake Billy Chinook)

Campfires in designated campground fire rings are still allowed under Level 1. However, open fires, smoking outside of vehicles, and off-road driving are prohibited in affected areas. Liquid-fueled and pressurized camp stoves remain permitted across all Central Oregon public lands.

The Prineville District also activated its annual river corridor restrictions as of May 13, affecting sections of the Crooked, Deschutes, John Day, and White rivers.

Why It’s Happening Earlier

Warm, dry conditions and abnormally low snowpack this spring are behind the accelerated restrictions. In past years, Ochoco and Deschutes forest restrictions typically took effect in mid-June to July.

“Things are dry. We’ve had an unusually warm spring. Conditions are more favorable earlier than they were last year. And we’ve seen more fire activity earlier than we did last year.” — Suzannah Burke, Prineville District BLM representative

A prescribed burn near Pine Mountain earlier this month escaped its planned area and burned more than 2,500 acres before being contained — an early indicator of conditions this summer.

What It Means for Visitors and Residents

For Jefferson County residents who camp, recreate, or work on public lands, this is a season to take fire prevention seriously earlier than ever. Accuweather and state forecasters have flagged 2026 as a potentially severe fire year for Oregon.

Residents can check current fire restrictions at centraloregonfire.org or call their local ranger district. Text COFIRE to 888-777 to receive wildfire and prescribed burn text alerts for Central Oregon.