A June 1 wildfire near Lake Billy Chinook burned two acres and prompted brief evacuation warnings before being contained. The Jordan Fire is a reminder that fire season is underway — and Oregon officials are warning 2026 could be severe.

The Oregon Health Authority issued a recreational health advisory for Lake Billy Chinook on June 12 due to cyanotoxins above safe recreational levels. Swimmers and pet owners are urged to stay out of affected areas.

A 34-year-old Warm Springs man has been sentenced to 50 months in federal prison for the sexual abuse of two minors. The case was investigated by the FBI and Warm Springs Police Department through the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative.

All open burning is now prohibited in Jefferson County as fire danger rises ahead of schedule this summer. Jefferson County Rural Fire District 1 closed the burn season earlier than its usual June 1 target, while the Oregon Department of Forestry has issued a regulated use closure covering Jefferson County and neighboring counties.

Jefferson County Fire & EMS has closed all open burning as Central Oregon enters what forecasters are calling one of the most dangerous fire seasons in years — drought, low snowpack, and early heat are all pointing the wrong direction.

Oregon’s 2026 fire season officially began May 8, and Central Oregon entered a Regulated Use Closure in mid-May. With lightning fires already sparking near Lake Billy Chinook, here’s what’s allowed, what’s prohibited, and how to stay safe this summer.

A lightning-sparked wildfire that broke out Monday near Lake Billy Chinook in Jefferson County is 50% contained after burning about 7.5 acres. Firefighters credit an aggressive initial attack — but note the fire started in an area that lacked funded mitigation work.

The Oregon Department of Forestry placed Central Oregon's Prineville Unit under a Regulated Use Closure in mid-May, and the 2026 fire season is officially in effect. Here's what Jefferson County residents need to know.

A wildfire that broke out June 1 in Jefferson County, burning five miles southwest of Lake Billy Chinook, triggered brief evacuation orders before being brought under control. All evacuations have since been lifted.

The Oregon Department of Forestry Regulated Use Closure covering Jefferson County has been in effect since May 18 and shows no signs of lifting. Campfires, fireworks, chainsaw use, and off-road vehicles are all restricted. Here is what residents need to know heading into summer.

A new wildfire ignited June 7 in a rural area east of Highway 26 and west of Highway 97, straddling the Jefferson County and Warm Springs Reservation boundary. The blaze, dubbed the Tmsh Fire, was estimated at 5 acres as of initial reports.