The long grip of fire season is finally loosening its hold on Jefferson County. Cooler temperatures, increased moisture, and shorter days have prompted fire officials across the region to roll back restrictions that have been in place since spring — giving residents and outdoor enthusiasts a window of relief heading into fall.
Residential Burning Opens October 1
Jefferson County Fire & EMS has confirmed that open residential burning will resume on Wednesday, October 1 for property owners who hold a valid burn permit. Permits are free and can be obtained in person at the Jefferson County Fire & EMS station at 765 S. Fifth St. in Madras, open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Before striking a match, residents should call the burn line at 541-475-1789 to confirm it is a legal burn day. Even with the season open, burns can be temporarily suspended due to poor air quality, wind events, or Red Flag Warnings.
Burn Safety Guidelines
- Never leave a fire unattended
- Keep a water source close at hand
- Extinguish all fires by sunset
- Do not burn prohibited materials: garbage, plastics, diapers, dead animals, auto bodies, rubber, or commercial/industrial waste
Public Lands Fire Restrictions Also Lifted
On Friday, September 25, fire officials on the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests, Crooked River National Grassland, and the Prineville District BLM rescinded Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions. The fire danger rating has been lowered to moderate, effective September 23.
Campers and hikers should note that some area-specific restrictions remain in place. The Prineville District BLM is maintaining River Corridor restrictions through October 15, and La Pine Basin restrictions continue through October 31. Wilderness area elevational fire restrictions on the Deschutes National Forest also remain in effect.
For current fire restriction information, call the Central Oregon Fire Use Information Line at 1-800-523-4737 or visit centraloregonfire.org.
FireFree Events Coming in October
Jefferson County residents looking for an easy way to dispose of yard debris this fall have two FireFree drop-off events coming up in October. The events allow community members to bring yard waste and other eligible materials to the Box Canyon Transfer Station, where Jefferson County Fire & EMS staff will collect them for safe disposal.
For event dates and details, call Jefferson County Fire & EMS at 541-475-7274.
After one of the most active wildfire summers in recent memory — including the Rowe Creek Complex, which scorched nearly 374,000 acres before reaching 99% containment in mid-September — the return of open burning marks a turning point in the season. Officials still urge caution and common sense as conditions can change quickly in Central Oregon.