Multiple wildfires ignited across Jefferson County Wednesday evening as dry thunderstorms rolled through Central Oregon, testing firefighters already on high alert under an active Red Flag Warning that remained in effect through 11 p.m.

The most significant fire was the Brewer Fire, reported burning approximately one mile east of Brewer Reservoir on the edge of the Crooked River National Grassland. The fire reached an estimated 20 acres before Oregon Department of Forestry crews moved in to slow its spread. A second 20-acre fire burning near U.S. 97 close to the Jefferson County–Wasco County line was reported 100% contained by Wednesday night, according to the Watch Duty fire-tracking service. Several additional smaller fires — most under one acre — also sparked across the county and surrounding areas, including near Mt. Bachelor and northwest of Redmond.

No Evacuations Ordered

Jefferson County emergency officials confirmed there were no evacuations ordered in connection with any of the fires. Pacific Power and Central Electric Cooperative both reported outages in the region during the storm, though power restoration efforts were underway by Wednesday night.

The fires came during a stretch of hot, dry conditions that have left vegetation across Central Oregon primed to burn. A Red Flag Warning — issued by the National Weather Service when a combination of dry air, low humidity, and gusty winds dramatically increases fire risk — covered the region through the evening hours.

Open Burning Remains Prohibited

Jefferson County Fire & EMS has had an open burn ban in place since July 1, with open burning prohibited countywide through September 30 under a resolution adopted by the Jefferson County Commissioners. The Oregon Department of Forestry has also had summer burning restrictions in effect since early May, limiting burning to approved burn barrels with screens and requiring valid permits.

"Hot, dry summer conditions mean that even a small spark can lead to significant fire activity," Central Oregon fire officials have noted as the region moves deeper into fire season.

What Residents Should Know

  • Open burning is banned countywide July 1 – September 30
  • No campfires in Ochoco National Forest, Crooked River National Grassland, or BLM lands under current restrictions
  • Report fires immediately: call 911 or the ODF fire reporting line
  • Download the Watch Duty app for real-time fire mapping in Jefferson County
  • Sign up for Jefferson County Emergency Alerts at jeffco.net

The Brewer Fire remained under investigation as of early Thursday morning. Check back with Madras Bulletin and centraloregonfire.org for ongoing updates as fire season progresses.