Jefferson County's long summer burn season ban is over. Residential open burning resumed October 1, giving homeowners and ranchers across the county the green light to tackle fall yard cleanup — provided they follow permit requirements and local rules.
The reopening comes as fire danger levels across Central Oregon have dropped significantly following a dry and demanding summer season. Jefferson County Fire & EMS and the Oregon Department of Forestry had restricted or eliminated open burning since early August, when an active fire environment prompted a burn barrel closure across the county.
What's Allowed This Fall
Residential burning typically covers yard debris such as dry grass, leaves, branches and other organic material from residential properties. Permit requirements apply in many areas, and burning is subject to daily air quality and weather conditions — always check with Jefferson County Fire & EMS or the Oregon DEQ Before You Burn website before lighting up.
Residents are reminded to:
- Obtain any required permits before burning
- Check daily burn status at the Oregon DEQ Before You Burn website
- Keep burns small and attended at all times
- Have a water source or fire suppression tools on site
- Never burn on windy days or during red flag conditions
FireFree Events This October
For residents who prefer not to burn — or those in areas where open burning isn't practical — Jefferson County Fire & EMS is hosting two FireFree drop-off events this month. These events allow residents to bring yard debris and other eligible materials to the Box Canyon Transfer Station, where the fire department will collect and handle disposal free of charge.
FireFree events are a popular, convenient alternative to open burning and are open to all Jefferson County residents. Exact event dates and accepted materials are available through Jefferson County Fire & EMS at jcfr1.org.
A Challenging Fire Season Behind Us
The 2026 fire season was a difficult one across Jefferson County and Central Oregon. State officials described conditions as "potentially extraordinary drought" — driven by historically low snowpack, one of the warmest winters on record, and multi-year precipitation deficits.
Jefferson County was among the hardest-hit areas, with 94% of the county classified under severe drought at the height of the season. The North Unit Irrigation District reduced water allotments significantly for the year, impacting farms and ranches throughout the region.
With cooler fall temperatures arriving and seasonal precipitation beginning to return, fire officials are cautiously optimistic about conditions heading into winter — but remind residents that fire risk doesn't disappear with the end of summer. Always check current guidance from Jefferson County Fire & EMS before burning.
For more information, upcoming FireFree event dates, and current burn status, visit jcfr1.org or call Jefferson County Fire & EMS.