After months of fire season restrictions, Jefferson County residents can once again pile up yard debris and put a match to it — carefully and with conditions.

Central Oregon fire chiefs, including those covering Jefferson County, agreed to collectively reopen outdoor debris burning effective Thursday, October 1, at 12:00 a.m. The decision ends a prohibition on burn barrels and debris piles that Jefferson County Fire & EMS had put in place on August 4 due to elevated fire danger. For many residents, ranchers, and property owners across the county, the reopening brings a welcome return to routine land maintenance after a long, dry summer.

What's Allowed

Outdoor debris burning — including yard waste, brush piles, and agricultural material — is now permitted in rural, unincorporated areas of Jefferson County, subject to daily weather conditions and local fire district rules. Key rules to keep in mind:

  • Check daily burn condition forecasts through the Oregon Department of Forestry or your local fire district before starting any burn
  • Burning is typically only permitted during daylight hours — check your jurisdiction's specific rules
  • Keep a water source and hand tools on site at all times
  • Never burn on windy days or when conditions are dry and gusty
  • Fires must be fully extinguished before the burner leaves the site
  • Call 911 immediately if a fire escapes control

Residents in incorporated areas — including within Madras city limits — should check with local authorities, as rules may differ from the county's rural unincorporated areas.

Prescribed Burns Underway on Surrounding Forest Lands

While the fire season is winding down for residents, land managers are taking advantage of cooler fall conditions to conduct prescribed burns across the Ochoco and Deschutes National Forests. These planned burns reduce accumulated fuels, improve forest health, and lower the risk of larger, more destructive wildfires in future years.

Residents near forest lands — including communities around Camp Sherman, Ashwood, and the eastern Cascades foothills — may see or smell smoke on certain days as these operations proceed. The burns are managed and continuously monitored by forest service crews and do not pose a threat to nearby communities.

Closing Out a Tough Fire Season

The 2026 fire season brought challenging conditions to Jefferson County and Central Oregon, with drought-stressed vegetation and elevated fire danger stretching well into fall. Jefferson County Fire & EMS and area agencies worked through a demanding season, and the reopening of debris burning marks a meaningful milestone.

For the most current burn conditions and any updates, residents can contact Jefferson County Fire & EMS directly or visit the Central Oregon Fire Information website at centraloregonfire.org. Conditions can change quickly — always verify before burning.