Section
Public Safety
Public Safety
Open Burning Still Prohibited as Jefferson County Closes Out a Drought-Stricken Summer
Open burning remains fully closed across Jefferson County as the region wraps up one of the driest summers in recent memory. Residents are urged to check current restrictions before any outdoor burning and to be aware of fire danger that can persist well into fall.
Public Safety
Fire Danger Remains Elevated Across Jefferson County and Warm Springs as Burn Season Peaks
Open burning is closed across Jefferson County and the Warm Springs Reservation as fire managers maintain high danger ratings and Industrial Fire Precaution Level upgrades heading into mid-September.
Public Safety
JCSO Handled 883 Calls Across Jefferson County in August
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office fielded 883 calls for service in August, with Crooked River Ranch accounting for the highest call volume of any unincorporated community, according to the department's monthly report released this week.
Public Safety
Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue Lands Internship Grant to Strengthen Community Ties
An internship grant is giving Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue the capacity to do something small volunteer departments often struggle to fit in alongside emergency calls: stay consistently connected with the community they serve. Chief Sean Hartley says the funding fills a real gap.
Public Safety
Fire Precaution Levels Rise on Warm Springs Reservation; Burn Ban Remains Countywide
The U.S. Wildland Fire Service and Warm Springs Fire Management elevated industrial fire precaution levels this week, moving Zone 1 to Level 3 as the reservation holds under high fire danger. A reservation-wide burn ban remains in place, and open burning is prohibited across Jefferson County.
Public Safety
Jefferson County Updating 5-Year Wildfire Protection Plan; Free Car Seat Fair Sept. 26 and Community Briefs
Jefferson County is overhauling its Community Wildfire Protection Plan with public input ahead of next fire season, while upcoming community events include a free car seat safety fair and cemetery cleanup reminders.
Public Safety
Meet Maria: How a Grant is Helping Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue Stay Connected With Its Community
A $3,000 matching grant through the Special Districts Association of Oregon funded a communications intern at Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue — giving the small district the capacity to focus on community outreach between emergency calls.
Public Safety
Open Burning Fully Closed in Jefferson County as Fire Season Reaches Its Peak
Jefferson County Fire & EMS confirms all open burning is prohibited through fire season, which has been in effect since May. The Round Butte Fire scorched over 1,100 acres in August — a reminder of how quickly conditions can escalate. Here is what residents need to know.
Public Safety
Open Burning Closed Countywide as Jefferson County Enters Peak Fire Season
Jefferson County Fire & EMS has closed all open burning effective this season, and the region is still feeling the effects of a summer that included the human-caused Round Butte Fire. Residents are reminded that fire danger remains extreme across Central Oregon.
Public Safety
Bentz Meets With Jefferson County Residents as Oregon's Wildfire Season Sets Records
U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz joined Jefferson County officials and landowners at the Jefferson County Event Complex last week to discuss the catastrophic 2026 wildfire season, while smoke from ongoing regional fires continues to affect Central Oregon air quality.
Public Safety
Jefferson County Fire & EMS Rescues Two Dogs Trapped in Pond
Jefferson County Fire and EMS crews came to the rescue Friday when two dogs became trapped in a pond and couldn't get out on their own — a feel-good call to wrap up a busy fire season week.
Public Safety
Warm Springs PD Contracts Overnight 911 Dispatch to Frontier Regional During Staffing Transition
The Warm Springs Police Department has temporarily contracted with Frontier Regional 911 to handle all overnight emergency dispatch, ensuring uninterrupted emergency response for Reservation residents.