Jefferson County residents will soon be able to light up the leaf pile. Open residential burning is set to return on October 1, according to Jefferson County Fire & EMS, as declining fire danger signals the transition from another intense fire season to a more manageable fall.

The resumption applies to residents who hold a valid burn permit. Those permits are free and are required by law before any outdoor debris burning takes place on residential property. Permits can be obtained in person at the Jefferson County Fire & EMS station at 765 S. Fifth St. in Madras, open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Check the Burn Line Before You Strike a Match

Even with restrictions lifted, burning is not automatically allowed every day. Weather and air quality conditions can prompt temporary closures, including during Red Flag Warnings, high wind events, or days with poor air quality. Residents are urged to call the burn line at 541-475-1789 on any day they plan to burn to confirm conditions allow it.

Jefferson County Fire & EMS reminded the public of the basic rules that apply year-round:

  • Fires must be fully extinguished by sunset
  • Never leave a fire unattended
  • Keep a water source close by at all times
  • Do not burn prohibited materials, including garbage, plastic, diapers, rubber, auto bodies, dead animals, or commercial and industrial waste

FireFree Events Offer an Alternative

For residents who would rather skip the permit process or have larger piles of debris to deal with, Jefferson County Fire & EMS will host two FireFree drop-off events in October. These events allow county residents to bring yard debris and other eligible materials to the Box Canyon Transfer Station, where crews will collect and process it safely.

Dates for the October FireFree events have not yet been finalized. Residents can call 541-475-7274 for more information as those dates are confirmed.

A Long Fire Season Winds Down

The return of residential burning comes after a summer that tested Central Oregon. The Rowe Creek Complex, which burned nearly 374,000 acres across portions of north-central Oregon before reaching 99% containment in mid-September, was among the most significant fires in the region this year. Cooler temperatures and early fall rain have helped lower fire danger indices across Jefferson County in recent weeks.

Jefferson County Fire & EMS emphasized that burning can still be suspended at any time based on conditions. Residents should monitor local alerts and always verify it is a legal burn day before starting a fire.