Central Oregon is in the grip of extreme fire danger this weekend, with land management agencies urging residents and visitors to exercise the highest level of caution on public lands throughout the region — including areas popular with Jefferson County recreationists.

Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions remain in effect across the Deschutes National Forest, the Ochoco National Forest, the Crooked River National Grassland, and Bureau of Land Management lands in Central Oregon. Fire officials warn that under current conditions, any new ignition could rapidly spread.

What Stage 1 Restrictions Prohibit

Under Stage 1 restrictions, the following activities are prohibited on Central Oregon public lands:

  • Open fires of any kind — including wood, charcoal, and propane campfires — outside of designated campgrounds
  • Smoking except inside a vehicle, building, or a 3-foot cleared area free of flammable material
  • Driving or parking on dry grass
  • Operating chainsaws or portable generators between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Campfires in designated campgrounds with established fire rings remain permitted unless additional restrictions are announced.

Fireworks are always prohibited on National Forest System lands in Central Oregon under federal regulation, and are currently prohibited on BLM-administered lands as well. This prohibition is permanent and does not require a fire restriction declaration.

What to Do in an Emergency

Anyone who witnesses a wildfire should call 9-1-1 immediately. For information about current fire restrictions, call the Central Oregon Fire Use Information Line at 1-800-523-4737. Real-time updates are available at centraloregonfire.org and on social media at @CentralORfire.

For smoke and air quality conditions, visit fire.airnow.gov.

A Reminder for the July 4th Holiday

With the Fourth of July weekend approaching, fire officials are reminding the public that private fireworks — legal or not — pose an extreme risk during current conditions. Jefferson County residents are encouraged to attend organized public displays rather than using personal fireworks, and to check local ordinances before the holiday weekend.

Jefferson County Rural Fire District 1 closed the burn season earlier than anticipated this spring after high winds and multiple runaway brush burns. Officials say this summer’s conditions are serious, and that complacency could be costly.