The Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training is meeting today, May 21, to consider revoking Tyler Anderson’s police certification. Anderson, who is running against incumbent Sheriff Jason Pollock in November, was fired from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in 2025 amid allegations of dishonesty and misconduct.

Campfires are now banned on most Central Oregon federal public lands as fire danger reaches 'high' — and Jefferson County's open burn ban has been in place since early May.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office has been urging boaters to complete their 2026 aquatic invasive species inspections before hitting the water. Here's why it matters — and what happens if you don't.

Jefferson County entered summer burning restrictions on May 4, limiting open burning to approved containers with permits. State fire officials say the 2026 season could rival 2015 as one of Oregon's worst.

A Guatemalan national unlawfully residing in Culver was sentenced May 14 to 30 months in federal prison for crossing state lines to sexually abuse a child on multiple occasions in 2025.

As of 12:01 a.m. Monday, campfires and open flames are banned on Deschutes National Forest, Ochoco National Forest, Crooked River National Grassland, and Prineville BLM lands — including areas near Jefferson County.

Oregon's 2026 fire season was declared on May 8 for the Central Oregon District, covering Jefferson, Deschutes, and Crook counties. That means burn permits are now required, and officials warn this year could be among the most dangerous on record.

Annual BLM campfire restrictions went into effect May 13 along portions of the Crooked and Deschutes Rivers, Lake Billy Chinook, and Lake Simtustus — affecting recreation spots heavily used by Jefferson County residents all summer long.

Beginning at 12:01 a.m. Monday, May 18, Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions take effect across the Deschutes National Forest, Ochoco National Forest, Crooked River National Grassland, and Prineville BLM District — including areas popular with Jefferson County residents.

A new wildfire ignited near Warm Springs on May 14, as Jefferson County and the broader Central Oregon region contend with fire restrictions already in place weeks ahead of summer — a sign of what state officials are calling a potentially severe and extended fire year.

Starting today, May 14, campfires are prohibited along portions of the Crooked, Deschutes, John Day, and White Rivers, as well as on BLM lands bordering Lake Billy Chinook and Lake Simtustus. The restrictions run through October 15.