With the 2026 fire season in effect since May and extreme fire danger ratings persisting across Central Oregon, Jefferson County officials and the Oregon Department of Forestry are urging residents to take campfire and burn restrictions seriously heading into the hottest weeks of summer.

The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for parts of the region through Tuesday evening, following a Fourth of July weekend that saw multiple wildfires ignite across Central Oregon. Open burning remains closed countywide.

Fire danger has reached extreme levels across Central Oregon, with Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions in effect on all Deschutes and Ochoco National Forest, Crooked River National Grassland, and BLM lands. Open fires — including wood and charcoal — are prohibited outside designated campgrounds.

A historically low snowpack, dry spring, and early heat have pushed Oregon's 2026 wildfire season into above-normal territory as of June 22 — the day after the summer solstice. Jefferson County, in the high desert east of the Cascades, faces some of the state's highest early-season risk.

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.