As wildfires continue to rage across Jefferson County and Central Oregon, land managers have escalated fire restrictions to Stage 2 — the highest level — across all public lands in the region. The restrictions took effect July 25 and remain in force until conditions improve.
What Stage 2 Restrictions Mean
Stage 2 public use fire restrictions are more stringent than Stage 1 and apply to all public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the Oregon Department of Forestry in Central Oregon. Under Stage 2:
- Campfires are banned — including in established fire rings and campgrounds
- Charcoal fires and briquettes are prohibited
- Chainsaw use is banned except by permit or in an emergency
- Smoking is only permitted inside an enclosed vehicle or building, or within a cleared area of at least 3 feet in diameter
- Operating equipment that may produce sparks, including off-road vehicles, may be restricted in specific areas
- Fireworks are banned on all public lands
Propane or gas stoves are generally permitted, but users should check specific land unit requirements, as some areas may have additional restrictions in place.
Where Restrictions Apply
Stage 2 restrictions cover:
- Deschutes National Forest
- Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland
- Prineville District BLM lands
- Oregon Department of Forestry — Jefferson County and Warm Springs zones
- All other Central Oregon public lands
Private lands in Jefferson County may have separate restrictions issued by the Oregon Department of Forestry. Check the ODF fire restrictions map at gisapps.odf.oregon.gov/firerestrictions for current status in your area.
Current Fire Weather Conditions
Central Oregon is experiencing a prolonged stretch of critical fire weather: temperatures hovering in the mid-to-upper 80s, relative humidity dropping into single digits during the afternoon hours, and gusty northerly winds of 10–15 mph with gusts to 25 mph or higher expected each afternoon. These conditions are expected to persist through the rest of the week with no significant precipitation in the forecast.
Smoke from the Bench, Akawa Butte, Rowe Creek Complex, and other fires across the region will remain heavy and persistent. Residents, especially those with respiratory conditions, are advised to limit time outdoors during heavy smoke events.
Air Quality Resources
- Real-time air quality sensor map: purpleair.com
- Official smoke forecasts: fire.airnow.gov
- Smoke outlook for Central Oregon: outlooks.airfire.org
Violations
Violating Stage 2 fire restrictions on federal lands is a federal misdemeanor that can result in fines of up to $5,000 and up to six months in jail. On state lands, violators may be held responsible for the full cost of firefighting operations. With multiple large fires already burning and suppression resources stretched thin, land managers are urging the public to take restrictions seriously.
“If you fly, we can’t,” fire managers reminded the public this week, noting that unauthorized personal drone flights over active wildfires have already interfered with aerial operations in the region.
For full restriction details, visit the U.S. Forest Service, BLM, or ODF websites, or call the Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch at the numbers posted on centraloregonfire.org.