Experts warn 2026 could be one of Central Oregon’s most dangerous fire seasons in years. A dry winter, persistent drought, and early heat have fuels primed across Jefferson County and the surrounding region. Here’s what residents need to know.

Oregon Health Authority has issued a recreational use health advisory for Lake Billy Chinook in Jefferson County due to cyanotoxins above safe levels. Swimming and water contact are discouraged, but fishing, camping, and boating remain viable with precautions.

Fire managers are reminding Central Oregon residents and visitors that Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions remain in effect across national forests and BLM lands, with fire danger currently rated Extreme — the highest level.

Five power outages have hit the Madras area since the start of June, driven by PacifiCorp’s wildfire safety settings and equipment problems. Jefferson County leaders and irrigation managers say the disruptions are causing real financial harm.

Jefferson County officials and farmers are frustrated by a string of power outages in Madras tied to PacifiCorp's wildfire prevention "enhanced safety settings." Since early June, five outages have hit the area — disrupting irrigation operations and daily life. PacifiCorp says the outages are necessary given extreme fire danger.

Fire danger has reached the "extreme" rating across Central Oregon public lands as the region enters its first full week of summer with no relief in sight. Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions are now in effect on the Deschutes National Forest, Ochoco National Forest, Crooked River National Grassland, and Prineville District Bureau of Land Management lands.

Jefferson County Rural Fire District 1 has shut down open burning — earlier than its typical June 1 seasonal closure — following high winds and multiple runaway brush fires. Combined with statewide Stage 1 fire restrictions on federal and state public lands, Jefferson County residents face one of the most aggressive fire seasons in years.

Fire danger has been raised to HIGH across south-central Oregon, with campfire restrictions and industrial precautions now in effect. The Central Oregon ODF district was the first in the state to declare fire season, doing so on May 8.

With high fire danger across Central Oregon, burn bans prohibiting campfires and yard debris burning are in effect. A Red Flag Warning was issued this week for the Central Mountains. Forecasters warn the 2026 season could be one of Oregon's most severe in years.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office released its log for the week of June 8–14, documenting a string of serious incidents including a firearms arrest in Culver, a high-speed juvenile pursuit on Highway 361, and a contraband discovery inside the county jail.

The Oregon Health Authority has issued a recreational use health advisory for Lake Billy Chinook after detecting a harmful cyanobacteria bloom. Residents and visitors are urged to avoid swimming and high-speed water activities.