Residents across Jefferson County should prepare for an extended stretch of hot, dry, and breezy weather that fire officials say will elevate wildfire risk throughout the coming week.
Weekend and Weekly Forecast for Madras
- Saturday, June 13: Sunny, high near 84°F. Northeast winds 10–15 mph, gusting to 29 mph.
- Sunday, June 14: Sunny, high near 88°F. Northeast winds 9–14 mph, gusting to 26 mph.
- Monday, June 16: Sunny, high near 95°F.
- Tuesday, June 17: Sunny, high near 91°F.
- Wednesday, June 18: Sunny, high near 87°F.
The combination of high temperatures, low humidity, and moderate winds creates near-ideal conditions for wildfire ignition and rapid spread — particularly on the open range and scrubland that covers much of Jefferson County's eastern and southern areas.
Fire Season Already Declared
Oregon State Forester declared the 2026 fire season in effect as of May 8. The Oregon Department of Forestry's Prineville Unit — which covers much of Jefferson County — entered a Regulated Use Closure effective May 18, prohibiting or restricting many outdoor burning and campfire activities on ODF-protected lands.
Jefferson County Fire and EMS has also posted summer burn restrictions. Permitted burning is limited to the hours between sunrise and 10:00 a.m. daily, and all fires must be fully extinguished by that time. Residents are reminded that backyard warming fires, campfires, and cooking fires within the Jefferson County Fire and EMS District are generally still allowed, but conditions can change quickly.
A Season Already Active
Central Oregon saw its first significant fire incident of the season on June 1, when the Jordan Incident ignited approximately 2 acres in brush and timber about 5 miles southwest of Lake Billy Chinook. Multiple interagency resources responded quickly and the fire was controlled. The blaze was caused by lightning.
Residents are urged to check current fire restrictions before any outdoor burning. Up-to-date information is available at centraloregonfire.org and oregon.gov/odf.