Open burning is now fully closed across Jefferson County, with fire officials warning that the 2026 fire season is shaping up to be one of the more dangerous in recent memory.

Jefferson County Rural Fire District 1 (JCFR1) confirmed on its website that open burning is closed for the season — a restriction triggered earlier than the typical June 1 cutoff after multiple runaway brush burns and high winds prompted early action.

What the Restrictions Mean

Under the current closure:

  • All open debris burning, pile burning, and field burning is prohibited.
  • Backyard burning — even with a valid permit — is not allowed until conditions change.
  • Burn barrels with approved screens, which had been allowed under earlier summer restrictions, are now also off the table.
  • Exploding targets and tracer ammunition are prohibited for the duration of fire season.

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) issued a regulated use closure covering Jefferson, Crook, Deschutes, Gilliam, and Wheeler counties. Under that closure, campfires may still be allowed in designated fire rings at some campgrounds, but backyard and debris burning are prohibited throughout.

Why This Year Is Different

Jefferson County entered what is normally a July 1 fire danger designation — "Moderate (Blue)" under Jefferson County Code 8.72.040 — weeks ahead of schedule in spring 2026. County officials and ORCAA attributed the early trigger to atmospheric conditions and field surveys showing unusually dry fuels after a dry, mild winter.

State and federal forecasters have characterized the 2026 fire season outlook as dire, with above-normal fire potential across Central and Eastern Oregon beginning in June and persisting through late summer. An emerging El Niño pattern is expected to intensify heat and dryness through the summer months.

Stay Informed

Residents can check current fire restrictions for Jefferson County at jcfr1.org or the ODF fire restrictions map at oregon.gov/odf. Emergency notifications can be received by signing up for Jefferson County's alert system.

Authorities remind the public that violations of burn restrictions carry significant fines and that individuals can be held liable for suppression costs if their fire escapes. Anyone spotting a wildfire should call 911 immediately.