Fall cleanup season is officially underway in Jefferson County. Residential open burning reopened October 1, giving residents the green light to start burning yard debris — as long as they have a permit and follow the rules.

Jefferson County Fire & EMS announced the return of open burning season after summer fire danger dropped across Central Oregon. The resumption follows months of campfire and burning restrictions during what was a dry and active fire season regionwide.

Getting Your Free Burn Permit

Burn permits are required by law to burn on residential property in Jefferson County — but the good news is they cost nothing. Pick one up at:

  • Jefferson County Fire & EMS Station — 765 S. Fifth St., Madras
  • Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday

Before you light anything, always call the burn line at 541-475-1789 to confirm it is an approved burn day. Even with the season open, burn days can be temporarily suspended for high winds, poor air quality, Red Flag Warnings, or other fire-weather conditions. October weather in Central Oregon can shift quickly.

Rules Every Resident Must Follow

Jefferson County Fire & EMS urges residents to follow these guidelines every time they burn:

  • Never leave a fire unattended — not even briefly
  • Keep a water source immediately accessible at all times
  • All fires must be fully extinguished by sunset
  • Burn only yard debris — do not burn garbage, plastics, diapers, dead animals, auto bodies, rubber, or any commercial or industrial waste

FireFree Drop-Off Events This Month

For residents who'd prefer not to burn at all, Jefferson County Fire & EMS is hosting two FireFree collection events in October. These events allow community members to drop off yard debris and other eligible materials at the Box Canyon Transfer Station, where county crews handle disposal safely.

FireFree events are a convenient option for households near wooded areas, those with burn restrictions on their property, or anyone who simply wants to skip the hassle.

For FireFree event dates and additional information, call Jefferson County Fire & EMS at 541-475-7274.

A Note on Current Conditions

Despite the calendar saying October, conditions remain unseasonably warm across the region this week — with daytime highs near 85 to 87 degrees Fahrenheit forecast through midweek. Vegetation may still be drier than it looks. Residents are encouraged to use good judgment and treat every burn day with care, even when conditions are technically favorable.

Questions about the burn program can also be directed to Jefferson County Fire & EMS at the number above.