Fire danger has arrived early to Jefferson County and Central Oregon, with multiple agencies ratcheting up restrictions since mid-May. Residents and recreationists throughout the county are urged to familiarize themselves with the rules now in effect.

ODF Regulated Use Closure: In Effect Since May 18

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Prineville Unit, Fossil Sub-Unit, and Sisters Sub-Unit entered a Regulated Use Closure effective 12:01 a.m. on May 18, 2026. The closure applies to all ODF-protected lands in Crook, Deschutes, Gilliam, Jefferson, and Wheeler counties and will remain in place until further notice.

ODF cited warm, dry, and windy conditions that are “more commonly seen in mid-June” as the reason for the early action.

What Is and Is Not Allowed

Under the Regulated Use Closure, the following are prohibited:

  • Open fires, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires, and warming fires (except in designated areas). Propane and bottled-gas stoves are allowed in areas clear of flammable vegetation.
  • Chainsaw use between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
  • Cutting, grinding, or welding of metal between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
  • Off-road use of motor vehicles, motorcycles, and ATVs except on improved roads.
  • Fireworks
  • Blasting
  • Backyard debris burning, exploding targets, and tracer ammunition

Chainsaw and metal-working use outside restricted hours requires on-site fire suppression equipment: one axe, one shovel, and a functioning fire extinguisher.

Jefferson County Fire & EMS: Open Burning Closed

Separately, Jefferson County Fire District 1 has closed all open burning for the season. This applies county-wide and is in addition to the ODF restrictions. For questions about what is permitted, residents can visit jcfr1.org.

Jordan Fire Earlier This Week

The restrictions come shortly after a fire earlier this week near Lake Billy Chinook, when the “Jordan Fire” briefly prompted evacuation warnings for the Lake Billy Chinook 5 Black zone and a Level 1 “Be Ready” notice for adjacent areas before being contained. Aircraft were used to assist ground crews.

With fire season now firmly underway, Jefferson County residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts through Jefferson County Emergency Management and to check centraloregonfire.org for the latest fire restriction status before outdoor activities.