After a long summer of fire restrictions, Jefferson County residents will soon be able to clear yard debris the old-fashioned way. Open residential burning is scheduled to resume on Thursday, October 1 — just in time for fall cleanup season.

Permits Are Required — and Free

Anyone wishing to burn on residential property must hold a valid burn permit. The good news: the permits cost nothing. They’re available at the Jefferson County Fire & EMS station at 765 S. Fifth St. in Madras, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Before lighting any fire, residents should call the burn line at 541-475-1789 to confirm it is a legal burn day. Temporary closures can happen at any time if air quality deteriorates, wind picks up, or a Red Flag Warning is issued.

Burning Rules to Follow

Jefferson County Fire & EMS urges residents to follow these guidelines every time they burn:

  • Never leave a fire unattended
  • Keep a water source readily available at all times
  • Extinguish all fires by sunset
  • Do not burn prohibited materials, including garbage, plastic, diapers, dead animals, auto bodies, or rubber tires
  • Do not burn commercial or industrial waste

FireFree Events Coming in October

For those who’d rather skip the smoke altogether, Jefferson County Fire & EMS will host two FireFree events in October. These events allow residents to drop off yard debris and other eligible materials at the Box Canyon Transfer Station, where fire department staff will handle disposal.

For more information on FireFree events or burn permit questions, call Jefferson County Fire & EMS at 541-475-7274.

A Welcome Relief After a Difficult Fire Season

The return of burn season marks the unofficial close of one of Central Oregon’s most challenging fire years. Jefferson County was under statewide drought emergency status through much of the summer, and fires disrupted events ranging from the county fair to road access across the region.

With cooler temperatures and calmer conditions arriving this week — forecasters are calling for morning showers Thursday and highs in the mid-60s — the timing appears right for residents to finally tackle those piles of branches and yard waste that have been accumulating all season.

Residents are reminded that even with the season open, individual burn days are subject to conditions. Always call the burn line before lighting up.