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.

The 2026 fire season was declared on May 8 — nearly a month ahead of schedule — and Jefferson County has already seen its first wildfire evacuation warnings. Here’s a plain-language guide to current restrictions and how to stay safe.

A wildfire reported June 1 approximately five miles southwest of Lake Billy Chinook prompted temporary evacuation warnings before interagency crews brought the fire under control. All orders have since been lifted.

Open burning is now prohibited across Jefferson County following early seasonal closures triggered by dry conditions and runaway brush fires. The Oregon Department of Forestry has also issued a regulated use closure affecting Jefferson County for the duration of fire season. Here is what residents need to know.