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Public Safety
Public Safety
Home and Trailer Destroyed in Fire North of Madras
A fire destroyed a residence and a nearby trailer approximately six miles north of Madras on Monday, May 26. Photos from the scene showed both structures fully engulfed in flames as crews worked to respond.
Public Safety
Zen Fire Near Clarno Reaches 1,635 Acres, Crews Working Toward Full Containment
A wildfire that ignited May 25 approximately five miles south of Clarno in Jefferson County has grown to 1,635 acres and is 80% contained, according to the latest update from the Prineville District BLM.
Public Safety
Fire Season Arrives Early: Campfire Restrictions Already in Effect Across Central Oregon Public Lands
Unusually warm and dry spring conditions have pushed fire restrictions into effect weeks earlier than normal across the Deschutes and Ochoco national forests, the Crooked River National Grassland, and Prineville District BLM lands — all of which border Jefferson County.
Public Safety
Jefferson County Fire and EMS Opens Newly Expanded Station to the Community
Jefferson County Fire and EMS held an open house Friday evening to showcase its remodeled and expanded station, made possible by a community-approved bond. The upgrade adds 6,000 square feet of new space and modernizes a facility originally built in 1989.
Public Safety
Zen Fire Near Clarno Reaches 1,635 Acres, Now 60% Contained
The Zen Fire, burning in Wheeler, Wasco, and Jefferson counties near Clarno, grew to 1,635 acres before crews made significant progress — but the fire's rapid early spread has renewed alarm about what may be a dangerous 2026 wildfire season.
Public Safety
Fire Season Arrives Early for Central Oregon: Campfire Bans Now in Effect, Official Season Begins May 30
Unusually warm and dry spring conditions have pushed campfire restrictions two to three weeks earlier than normal across Central Oregon's public lands, including the Crooked River National Grassland and Ochoco National Forest. Oregon's official fire season begins Friday, May 30.
Public Safety
Zen Fire Burns 1,000 Acres Near Clarno; Crews Hold Line Overnight
A wildfire that broke out Sunday afternoon south of Clarno grew rapidly to 1,000 acres by nightfall, pulling in hotshot crews and aerial resources from across the region. The blaze remained at zero percent containment but did not grow overnight.
Public Safety
Forecasters Warn of Severe 2026 Wildfire Season for Oregon; Jefferson County Already Under Burn Restrictions
AccuWeather and Oregon state fire officials are sounding the alarm about the 2026 wildfire season, citing record-low snowpack, historic drought, and dry vegetation. Jefferson County has been under summer burn restrictions since May 4.
Public Safety
No Campfires This Memorial Day Weekend: Fire Restrictions Cover Central Oregon Public Lands
Warm, dry conditions have prompted an early and broad sweep of fire restrictions across Central Oregon public lands — including ODF's regulated use closure and Stage 1 restrictions on federal land — just in time to affect Memorial Day weekend camping.
Public Safety
Fire Restrictions in Effect Across Central Oregon as Memorial Day Weekend Draws Crowds
Stage 1 fire restrictions went into effect on May 18 across Central Oregon public lands. Campgrounds are at or near capacity — here is what you need to know before you head out this weekend.
Public Safety
Fire Season Is Here: Jefferson County Burn Restrictions in Effect, State Warns of Severe 2026 Season
Summer burning restrictions took effect in Jefferson County on May 4, and fire officials are warning that the 2026 wildfire season could be one of the worst in years due to low snowpack, drought, and warm temperatures arriving early.
Public Safety
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect on Central Oregon Public Lands — Campfires Banned
Stage 1 public use fire restrictions took effect May 18 on the Deschutes and Ochoco national forests, Crooked River National Grassland, and Prineville District BLM lands. Campfires are prohibited except at a limited list of designated campgrounds.