Oregon's 2026 fire season is now in full force, and Jefferson County residents face some of the most restrictive burn rules in recent memory heading into summer.

The Oregon Department of Forestry declared the statewide 2026 fire season effective 12:01 a.m. on May 8, 2026 — and the restrictions have only tightened since. As of June 15, all of Oregon entered fire season under ODF, meaning the prohibition on backyard burning now applies statewide to all lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry.

Open Burning Is Closed

Jefferson County Fire & EMS went further: the agency has posted on its website that open burning is closed entirely for the summer. Summer burning restrictions have been in effect since May 4 and prohibit most burning except in approved, screened burn barrels with a valid permit during the narrow window of sunrise to 10:00 a.m.

The ODF Prineville Unit — which protects Jefferson County — moved into a Regulated Use Closure effective May 18, joining the Fossil Sub-Unit and Sisters Sub-Unit. Under regulated use, campfires and charcoal fires on ODF-protected lands are prohibited outside of designated sites with fire rings.

Drought Sets a Dangerous Stage

The fire risk is compounded by an extreme drought that gripped the region months ago. Governor Tina Kotek declared a drought emergency in Jefferson County on April 23 through Executive Order 26-07, citing record-low snowpack and ongoing dry conditions.

AccuWeather and the National Interagency Fire Center are both forecasting an above-normal wildfire season for Central Oregon east of the Cascades, driven by drought, extreme heat, and historically low snowpack. State officials have warned the season could run through October — longer than a typical year.

What You Need to Know

  • No open burning in Jefferson County until restrictions lift
  • Campfires are prohibited on ODF-protected lands outside of designated sites
  • Check the ODF fire restrictions map at oregon.gov/odf/fire before any outdoor burning
  • Fireworks of any kind are discouraged during drought conditions
  • Report fires immediately by calling 911

Last summer's Cram Fire — which burned approximately 95,000 acres across Jefferson and Wasco counties and destroyed multiple homes — is a stark reminder of how quickly conditions can turn deadly. Residents in the Ashwood area are still recovering from losses sustained in that blaze.

With Pi-Ume-Sha Treaty Days, the Fourth of July, and a full summer of outdoor recreation ahead, fire officials are asking the entire community to exercise exceptional caution. When in doubt, don't burn.