Firefighters across Central Oregon are making steady progress on a trio of large wildfires that have collectively burned more than 120,000 acres this summer, but dangerous fire weather conditions are expected to continue through the weekend, keeping residents and crews on alert.

Where the Fires Stand

As of the most recent update from Central Oregon Fire Information, here is the status of the three active fires nearest to Jefferson County:

  • Henry Fire — 29,850 acres, 97% contained. Located approximately 5 miles south of the Paulina Guard Station. No personnel actively assigned; fire managers do not anticipate additional spread.
  • Coyote Fire — 17,459 acres, 88% contained. Located about 5 miles south of Post, Oregon. A crew of 22 remains assigned, conducting targeted mop-up and hazard tree removal around the perimeter after a heat source was found on the southern edge.
  • Shingle Fire — 73,016 acres, 86% contained. Located 14 miles southeast of Mitchell. This remains the most active of the three, with 331 personnel assigned. A spot fire identified on the north perimeter late Thursday was rapidly contained south of Highway 26. Evacuation levels remain in effect for the southeastern corner of the fire area.

Red Flag Conditions Remain a Concern

Weather conditions across the region continue to be hot, dry, and windy. Fire managers have issued warnings ahead of forecasted dry thunderstorms, which can produce lightning strikes capable of igniting new fires while delivering little or no rainfall to cool parched fuels.

“Dry fuels remain receptive to fire until significant moisture returns to the region,” fire officials noted in their most recent briefing.

Smoke from the Shingle Fire in particular continues to affect air quality across parts of north-central Oregon. Residents with respiratory conditions are encouraged to limit time outdoors on days with poor air quality and to monitor AirNow.gov for current conditions in Jefferson County.

Stage 2 Restrictions in Effect

Stage 2 fire restrictions remain in place throughout Jefferson County and on the Warm Springs Reservation. These restrictions prohibit:

  • All campfires, including in developed campgrounds unless in a fire grate provided by the agency
  • Use of charcoal, coal, or wood-burning devices outside of developed recreation sites
  • Smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is cleared of all flammable material
  • Operating any internal combustion engine in vegetation

Jefferson County Fire & EMS has also suspended all burn barrel use through the remainder of the 2026 fire season, effective August 4.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for Jefferson County emergency alerts at jeffersoncountyor.gov and to follow @JeffCoSheriffOR on social media for real-time evacuation and road closure updates.