It is not even summer yet, but fire season has officially arrived in Jefferson County.

Oregon's Department of Forestry declared the 2026 fire season in effect for its Central Oregon District on May 8 — a declaration that covers Jefferson, Deschutes, Crook, and surrounding counties. The early start reflects conditions that fire officials describe as alarming: record-low snowpack, a warm and dry winter, and a spring that has left grass and brush much drier than usual for this time of year.

What the Fire Season Declaration Means for You

Once fire season is declared, Oregon law requires anyone burning yard debris, slash, or other material on private property to obtain a permit first. There is no grace period. Burning without a permit during fire season can result in significant fines — and if your fire escapes, you can be held liable for the full cost of suppression, which can reach into the millions of dollars.

To check current burn restrictions and apply for a permit in Jefferson County, visit beforeyouburn.net. Officials strongly recommend calling before burning even if you have a permit, as conditions can change rapidly.

23 Escaped Burns Already Statewide This Year

State fire officials report that 23 burns have already escaped on ODF-protected lands statewide this year, scorching 83 acres — a pace slightly ahead of the same period last year. Escaped debris burns are consistently the leading cause of human-caused wildfires in Oregon, and more than 70 percent of all Oregon wildfires are human-caused.

Officials urge residents to consider alternatives to burning wherever possible:

  • Chipping — wood chips make excellent mulch for gardens and landscaping
  • Composting — yard waste breaks down naturally and enriches soil
  • Hauling — many communities have green waste disposal options

If you must burn, officials recommend choosing calm days with high humidity, keeping water and hand tools nearby, never leaving a fire unattended, and fully extinguishing all burns before leaving the area.

A Warning From Fire Officials

"We are increasingly concerned that 2026 could rival the most extreme years on record for heat and dryness. Even one small spark can lead to a costly and destructive fire," said Jeff Fedrizzi with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service.

The warning comes on top of Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions that take effect Monday, May 18, on Central Oregon's national forests and BLM lands — banning campfires except at designated campgrounds — and BLM river corridor restrictions already in effect since May 13 that ban all open flame along the Deschutes, Crooked, and other waterways.

Quick Reference for Jefferson County Residents

Jefferson County's landscape — high desert grassland, juniper forest, and canyon draws — can carry fire with frightening speed in dry, windy conditions. With a full summer still ahead, fire officials say the decisions residents and visitors make right now will determine how bad this fire season gets for communities across Central Oregon.