As summer approaches its final stretch, Jefferson County Fire and EMS is reminding residents that fire danger has not let up — and that restrictions put in place earlier this month remain fully in effect.

Effective August 4, 2026, Jefferson County Fire and EMS prohibited the use of burn barrels countywide for the remainder of the 2026 fire season. The order was issued in response to heightened fire activity across the region, including the Bench Fire on the Warm Springs Reservation and the Round Butte Fire west of Madras — both of which ignited in late July and quickly grew under dry, windy conditions.

What Is and Is Not Allowed

Under the current restrictions:

  • Burn barrels are prohibited — no exceptions for the remainder of fire season
  • Outdoor burning of yard debris, agricultural waste, or slash is also prohibited or requires special permits depending on land ownership — check with Oregon Department of Forestry for the latest restrictions in your area
  • Campfires are subject to active restrictions on federal and state lands — check with the relevant land management agency before building any fire outdoors
  • Fireworks of any kind remain prohibited in unincorporated Jefferson County

Anyone who is uncertain about what is permitted on their property is encouraged to contact Jefferson County Fire and EMS before conducting any open burning.

Why Late August Still Matters

With the Bench and Round Butte fires now largely contained, it may be tempting to relax — but fire weather veterans know that late August and September can be among the most dangerous weeks of the fire season in Central Oregon. As temperatures remain high and humidity stays low, any ignition can spread rapidly.

The National Weather Service has noted that red flag conditions — characterized by low relative humidity, gusty winds, and critically dry fuels — can materialize quickly across the region with little warning. Fuels across Jefferson County are at or near historic dryness levels following the severe drought summer.

"Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended."
— National Weather Service, Pendleton

Report Smoke, Don't Wait

Jefferson County Fire and EMS urges all residents — in Madras, Culver, Metolius, Crooked River Ranch, and rural areas countywide — to call 911 immediately at any sign of smoke or fire. Do not assume someone else has already called. Early reporting saves acres, structures, and lives.

For real-time fire information, residents can monitor InciWeb (inciweb.wildfire.gov), follow Jefferson County Sheriff's Office on social media, and tune to KWSO 91.9 FM for Warm Springs area updates.

Current air quality conditions are available at airnow.gov. Residents with respiratory conditions are advised to check air quality before extended outdoor activity on smoky days.