This past Sunday marked the summer solstice — the longest day of 2026 — and for Jefferson County residents, it also marks the unofficial start of the most dangerous stretch of wildfire season. Fire officials and climate forecasters say 2026 is shaping up to be a severe year, and the first week of summer offers little reassurance.

A Dangerous Season From the Start

Oregon's 2026 fire season was declared by the State Forester as early as May 8 — roughly five weeks earlier than the typical June 15 statewide kickoff. The early declaration came after multiple runaway brush fires in Jefferson County prompted Jefferson County Rural Fire District 1 to close its burn season ahead of schedule.

The drivers are well-documented: record-low snowpack across the Oregon Cascades, a historically dry spring, and an early-arriving heat ridge that has rapidly cured vegetation across the high desert. Oregon State Forester Kacey KC said earlier this year that above-normal wildfire potential east of the Cascades in rangeland areas — exactly where Jefferson County sits — was expected beginning in June.

What "Extreme" Fire Danger Means Locally

The Central Oregon Fire Information network confirmed this week that fire danger across the region has reached the "extreme" rating — the highest category, indicating that any new ignition is likely to spread rapidly and be difficult to control.

Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions remain in effect on the Deschutes National Forest, Ochoco National Forest, Crooked River National Grassland, and BLM-administered Prineville District lands. These restrictions prohibit open fires outside of designated campgrounds, restrict the use of chainsaws and portable generators between 1pm and 8pm, and ban smoking except in enclosed spaces.

Practical Guidance for Residents

  • No burning. Jefferson County Rural Fire District has closed the burn season. Do not attempt to burn debris, trash, or agricultural material.
  • Defensible space. Clear vegetation within 30 feet of structures. Now is the time to trim dead brush and remove accumulated dry material near buildings.
  • Go bags. With fire weather this severe, it's wise to have a "go bag" ready with essential documents, medications, and supplies in case of emergency evacuation.
  • Fireworks. Fireworks are permanently banned on national forest lands and currently banned on BLM lands. Given current conditions, any use of fireworks near dry vegetation is an extreme hazard.
  • Report fires fast. Call 9-1-1 immediately if you see smoke or fire. Early reporting can mean the difference between a small incident and a major disaster.

Looking Ahead

Climate forecasters projected above-normal fire risk east of the Cascades extending through the summer, with the highest intensity expected in July and August. Jefferson County emergency managers and fire agencies will continue to monitor conditions and may escalate to Stage 2 restrictions if the situation worsens.

For current fire restriction information, call 1-800-523-4737 or visit centraloregonfire.org.