The National Weather Service in Pendleton issued a Red Flag Warning through Tuesday, July 7 at 10:00 p.m. PDT for portions of Central and Eastern Oregon — a signal that fire weather conditions remain dangerous and that new fires could spread rapidly.
The warning follows an active July 4th holiday weekend during which crews across the region juggled multiple simultaneous fire incidents, including the Peninsula Fire at Crooked River Ranch and the 1,261-acre Antelope Creek Fire near the community of Antelope in Wasco County.
What Red Flag Conditions Mean
Red Flag Warnings are issued when a combination of low relative humidity, high temperatures, and strong or erratic winds creates critical fire weather. Under these conditions, any spark — from a vehicle, power equipment, a campfire, or discarded smoking materials — can ignite a fast-moving fire that is difficult to control.
Central Oregon fire officials have been warning for weeks that the 2026 fire season got off to an early start due to below-normal spring precipitation and above-average temperatures. The July 4th weekend reinforced those concerns.
Burn Restrictions in Effect
Jefferson County has been under summer burn restrictions since early May 2026, and open burning is currently closed. Under current restrictions:
- All open burning is prohibited
- Burning in approved burn barrels with screens requires a valid permit and is allowed only from sunrise to 10:00 a.m.
- Recreational fires — campfires, fire pits — are also restricted
Jefferson County Fire & EMS urges residents to check current fire restrictions before lighting any outdoor fire. The Oregon Department of Forestry's fire restrictions map is available at oregon.gov/odf. Residents can also visit jcfr1.org for local updates.
Fire agencies remind residents that Oregon has seen costly and deadly fire seasons in recent years. Staying informed, following restrictions, and maintaining defensible space around structures are the best ways to protect lives and property.
To report a wildfire, call 9-1-1 immediately.