With statewide fire season now in effect and Jefferson County already under a regulated use closure, officials are urging extreme caution as drought conditions set the stage for a dangerous summer.

Jefferson County Fire & EMS has closed all open burning as of May 4, with summer restrictions now in full effect. State forestry officials warn that fire risk east of the Cascades is above normal beginning this month, with a dry spring and low snowpack fueling concerns.

The Oregon Health Authority has issued a recreational use advisory for Lake Billy Chinook due to toxic cyanobacteria blooms detected in the Crooked River arm near Cove Palisades. Swimmers and families with young children are urged to stay out of the water.

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.