Memorial Day weekend campers heading to public lands in and around Jefferson County should leave their campfire gear at home. Warm and dry conditions have prompted land managers across Central Oregon to impose fire restrictions that ban open flames, including wood fires, charcoal grills, and portable propane campfires, effective through at least the holiday weekend.

What Is and Is Not Allowed

The restrictions affect public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Oregon Department of Forestry in the Central Oregon region. Under the current Stage 1 fire restrictions — which went into effect May 13 on BLM river corridors and May 18 on most federal public lands — the following are prohibited:

  • Campfires of any kind, including wood and charcoal
  • Portable propane campfires and wood pellet burning devices
  • Any open flame outside of developed campgrounds with metal fire rings that meet specific exemptions

Smoking is restricted to enclosed vehicles or developed recreation sites.

Stoves burning liquid fuel with an on/off switch — such as standard backpacking stoves — are generally still permitted, though users are encouraged to verify current rules for their specific area before heading out.

ODF Regulated Use Closure

The Oregon Department of Forestry went further for lands in its Prineville Unit, Fossil Sub-Unit, and Sisters Sub-Unit, issuing a regulated use closure that also restricts chainsaw use, off-road vehicle driving on vegetation, and the use of fireworks. That closure adds another layer of protection in areas where fire risk is elevated.

Jefferson County's own burn ban for residential and agricultural burning has been in effect since May 4, 2026, as announced by Jefferson County Fire and EMS.

Why the Early Restrictions

The 2026 fire season was declared in effect beginning May 8 — earlier than some recent years. Officials cite persistent warm, dry, and windy conditions across Central Oregon as driving factors. Historically, fire restrictions of this scope during Memorial Day weekend signal a potentially active fire summer ahead.

Residents and visitors are urged to check centraloregonfire.org for the most current restriction levels before any outdoor activity involving fire this weekend. Violations can result in fines and liability for suppression costs if a fire results.