Fire officials are calling this one of the most dangerous fire seasons Central Oregon has faced in years — and Jefferson County's Fourth of July weekend is arriving right in the middle of it.

The Central Oregon fire danger rating has been elevated to EXTREME, the highest level on the scale. At that level, new fire starts are likely to spread rapidly and can outpace suppression efforts within minutes. Fire restrictions are in effect on all Central Oregon federal lands, including the Crooked River National Grassland, Deschutes National Forest, and Prineville District BLM lands.

Why This Year Is Different

The 2026 wildfire season began earlier and more intensely than normal. A dry winter left snowpack in the Central Cascades at near-record lows, and Jefferson County commissioners approved a drought declaration in March. Fire season officially began statewide on June 15 — but the Madras area had already seen one grassland fire in the first weeks of June.

A burn ban for Jefferson County has been in effect since early May. Residents should not burn debris, yard waste, or other materials outdoors — including campfires — unless in a designated fire-safe area.

Jefferson County was also among the top 50 counties in the United States for wildfire impact last year, according to federal data — a sobering benchmark heading into this summer.

Fireworks: Legal, But Dangerous

Despite the extreme conditions, a fireworks ban is not in effect for Jefferson County. That means residents may legally use consumer fireworks on the Fourth of July — but Jefferson County Fire & EMS is urging serious caution.

"As we approach the Fourth of July holiday, we encourage everyone to take proactive steps to protect their homes and property by creating and maintaining defensible space," said LeeAnn Bowman, administrative assistant for Jefferson County Fire & EMS, in a public statement.

Fireworks Safety Rules

  • Only adults should handle fireworks
  • Use fireworks only in clear, open areas — at least 25 to 50 feet from people, structures, and dry vegetation
  • Keep a water source nearby: a garden hose, bucket of water, or fire extinguisher
  • After each firework, fully soak the spent device in water before disposing of it
  • If a firework fails to ignite, do not try to relight it — soak it in water immediately
  • Never use fireworks near dry grass, brush, vehicles, or structures

Protecting Your Property

Homeowners and renters should clear dry grass, weeds, pine needles, and other combustible materials from around structures now — before the holiday weekend. Keep lawns mowed and ensure driveways and access roads are clear for emergency vehicles.

The Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center confirmed that extreme fire danger conditions are expected to persist through at least the end of June. Residents in rural areas — including Crooked River Ranch, Culver, Metolius, and outlying communities — face elevated risk and are encouraged to review their evacuation plans.

For current fire restrictions, fire weather forecasts, and evacuation information, visit centraloregonfire.org or text COFIRE to 888-777 to receive wildfire alerts by text.