If you were planning a spring yard cleanup with a burn pile, put away the matches. Jefferson County Fire & EMS has closed all open burning, and the 2026 Oregon fire season is officially in effect statewide.
The Jefferson County burn closure took effect at sunset on Sunday, May 3, driven by rapidly drying fire fuels and forecasted weather conditions. The Oregon State Forester then declared the 2026 Fire Season statewide beginning 12:01 a.m. on May 8 — earlier than many recent years.
What Is and Isn't Allowed
Under the current summer burning restrictions for Jefferson County, the rules are specific:
- Burning is allowed only in approved burn barrels with screens, and only with a valid permit
- Burning hours are sunrise to 10:00 a.m. daily
- All fires must be attended at all times
- Only approved materials may be burned
- A pressurized water source (hose line) must be available
- Fires must be fully extinguished by 10:00 a.m.
Backyard fires — including warming fires, campfires, and cooking fires — are generally still allowed year-round within the Jefferson County Fire & EMS District, but must comply with local regulations. Additional restrictions can be imposed at any time if fire danger increases.
Neighboring Counties Also Affected
The fire weather picture is broader than Jefferson County. Hood River and Wasco counties — just to the north — moved to "moderate" fire danger on May 9, banning debris burning without a permit and restricting certain other fire-related activities. Central Oregon's Deschutes National Forest recently cancelled a planned prescribed burn on Pine Mountain due to unfavorable conditions, underscoring how quickly conditions can shift.
What This Means for Residents
With warm, dry conditions arriving earlier than usual, fire officials urge residents across Jefferson County, Crooked River Ranch, Warm Springs, and surrounding areas to take the restrictions seriously. Last year, several wildfires in Central Oregon ignited in May and June, causing evacuations and significant property damage.
Before burning anything, call 541-475-1789 to check current conditions and confirm you have a valid permit. The line is answered by Jefferson County Fire & EMS and provides up-to-date restriction information.
Violations of burn restrictions can result in fines and, if a fire escapes, liability for suppression costs. In Oregon, that can run into the tens of thousands of dollars.
Fire-Safe Practices for the Season
Jefferson County Fire & EMS recommends residents use this time to:
- Clear defensible space around structures — 30 feet minimum, 100 feet in higher-risk areas
- Remove dead vegetation from gutters and decks
- Check smoke detector batteries
- Know your evacuation routes and Level 1, 2, and 3 evacuation zone designations
For fire weather updates, visit centraloregonfire.org or follow Jefferson County Fire & EMS on social media.