A wildfire in Jefferson County prompted evacuation orders the week of June 1, sending a brief wave of concern through communities near Lake Billy Chinook before firefighters brought the blaze under control and all orders were lifted.

Fire Reported June 1

The Jordan Fire was reported on Monday, June 1, burning approximately five miles southwest of Lake Billy Chinook in a mix of brush and timber. Multiple interagency fire resources responded, including aircraft assistance.

At the height of concern, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office issued a Level 2 "Be Set" evacuation warning for zone Lake Billy Chinook 5 Black, and a Level 1 "Be Ready" notice for zone Lake Billy Chinook Public Lands 3 North. Residents in those zones were advised to prepare to leave on short notice.

Firefighting crews worked quickly to contain the spread. Central Oregon Fire reported that no structures were threatened at the time of initial attack.

Orders Lifted

All evacuation orders connected to the Jordan Fire have since been lifted, according to KTVZ and the Jefferson County Evacuation Map. Residents who were asked to prepare to evacuate may return to normal activity.

Fire Season Already Active

The June 1 fire came just two weeks after the Oregon Department of Forestry declared the 2026 fire season officially in effect on May 8. A Regulated Use Closure — restricting campfires, smoking, and certain other activities on ODF-protected lands in the Prineville Unit, Fossil Sub-Unit, and Sisters Sub-Unit — took effect May 18, citing high fire danger across Central Oregon.

Residents near Lake Billy Chinook, Crooked River Ranch, and other wildland-urban interface areas are reminded to maintain defensible space around their homes and stay aware of current evacuation zone statuses through the Jefferson County Evacuation Map at jeffco.net.

Stay Informed

  • Jefferson County Evacuation Map: Available through jeffco.net
  • Watch Duty app: Real-time wildfire tracking for Central Oregon
  • Jefferson County Sheriff's Office: (541) 475-4503
  • Central Oregon Fire Information: centraloregonfire.org

As temperatures rise and the region heads deeper into fire season, officials urge Jefferson County residents to have a go-bag ready and a family evacuation plan in place before conditions escalate.