With the 2026 Oregon fire season officially underway since May 8, Stage 1 public use fire restrictions are now in effect on the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and Prineville District BLM lands — prohibiting most open fires and posing significant consequences for summer recreation.

With open burning now closed, ODF restrictions in place, and forecasters warning of an above-average fire season, Jefferson County residents need to be prepared. Here's what you need to know heading into summer 2026.

A hot, dry, and breezy stretch of weather is forecast for the Madras area through at least mid-week, with temperatures climbing to 95°F by Monday. Fire season is officially underway and burn restrictions are in effect.

A fast-moving system brought lightning, hail up to two inches, winds gusting to 70 mph, and widespread power outages to Central Oregon on Thursday evening — one of the region's most active late-May storm events in recent years.

The Oregon Department of Forestry declared a Regulated Use Closure for Jefferson County and surrounding areas earlier this month, banning campfires, fireworks, and off-road vehicle use across vast stretches of Central Oregon. Officials warn this year's fire season is already behaving like summer.

A powerful Pacific front swept through Central Oregon on Memorial Day, bringing wind gusts up to 55 mph to the Madras and Redmond areas and dropping temperatures sharply. The system has moved on, with warmer, calmer conditions expected through the week.

A warm and mostly sunny Memorial Day weekend is ahead for Jefferson County, with temperatures climbing into the upper 80s by Friday. With burn restrictions already in effect and fire danger elevated, residents are reminded to take precautions this holiday weekend.

Central Oregon is forecast to see upper-70s to low-80s temperatures through the holiday weekend before a cooler, showery pattern moves in next week. With Stage 1 fire restrictions already in place, campers should plan ahead.

State officials, forecasters, and fire scientists are warning that Oregon's 2026 wildfire season could rival 2015 as one of the worst on record. Low snowpack, drought, and a warm winter are setting the stage for a dangerous summer.

Temperatures across Central Oregon approached record highs on Tuesday, May 12, with Madras reaching a forecasted high of 87 degrees. A dramatic cool-off is expected Wednesday and into the weekend — but the brief heat spike is a reminder that fire season is already underway.

Central Oregon is experiencing a warm, dry May with daytime highs in the mid-to-upper 60s and little precipitation in the forecast. Fire officials have implemented early summer burn restrictions, and NOAA is forecasting an El Nino transition that could mean a hotter, drier summer -- prompting a Wildfire Preparedness Fair on May 20.