Outdoor recreationists heading into Central Oregon’s forests and public lands this Memorial Day weekend should be aware: campfires are now banned at most sites across the region.

Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions took effect at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, May 18, across the Deschutes National Forest, Ochoco National Forest, Crooked River National Grassland, and the Prineville District Bureau of Land Management.

The restrictions were triggered by above-average temperatures, low relative humidity, and predicted high winds — conditions that fire officials say dramatically increase the risk of human-caused wildfire ignition.

What Is Prohibited

Under Stage 1 restrictions, the following are banned on affected public lands:

  • Campfires, including wood fires and charcoal briquette fires
  • Portable propane campfires and wood pellet-burning devices
  • Any other type of open flame outside of designated areas

Where Campfires Are Still Allowed

Campfires remain permitted at a limited number of designated developed campgrounds, including sites in the Sisters Ranger District such as Camp Sherman Campground, Allen Springs, Pioneer Ford, and others along the Metolius River corridor. Fires are also still allowed in certain Deschutes National Forest Wilderness areas.

Campers are advised to check with the specific campground or ranger district before building any fire, as rules can vary by location.

The 2026 Fire Season

Oregon’s 2026 fire season officially began May 8 under a declaration by the State Forester. This year’s early start follows a period of below-average spring precipitation and warmer-than-normal temperatures across Central Oregon.

Jefferson County residents who live near wildland-urban interface areas are encouraged to take steps now to reduce fire risk around their homes, including clearing brush and maintaining defensible space.

For the latest information on fire restrictions in Jefferson County and surrounding areas, visit centraloregonfire.org or contact the Ochoco National Forest or Prineville BLM office.

Reporting a Fire

To report a wildfire, call 911 or the Oregon Department of Forestry at 1-800-452-6023.