Summer is not officially here, but fire season already is. Jefferson County’s summer burning restrictions took effect on May 4, and state fire officials are warning that conditions across Central Oregon point toward a longer and more severe wildfire season than usual in 2026.
What the Burn Restrictions Mean for Jefferson County
Under the restrictions now in effect, outdoor burning in Jefferson County is limited to the following conditions:
- Burning is allowed only in approved burn barrels with screens, and only with a valid permit
- Burning hours are sunrise to 10:00 AM daily — no burning after 10 AM
- Open burning of debris, brush, and agricultural waste is prohibited outside of those conditions
Residents who burn outside these rules face potential fines and liability for any fire that escapes. Jefferson County encourages anyone with questions to contact the county or local fire district before burning.
A Dangerous Season Ahead
Oregon fire officials are characterizing 2026 as a high-risk year for wildfire. Key factors driving the concern include:
- Low snowpack: Below-average snowpack across the Cascades and high desert means less late-season soil moisture
- Drought conditions: Extended dry periods have stressed vegetation across Central Oregon
- Early heat: Temperatures have already approached 80 degrees in some areas in early May, drying out fuels ahead of schedule
- Human-caused incidents: Fire officials report a rising number of human-started fires already this year
A prescribed burn near Pine Mountain — east of Bend — escaped control in early May and grew to 2,589 acres before being fully contained on May 12. That fire served as an early-season reminder of how quickly conditions can shift.
Near Sisters, a separate fire sparked in early May and grew to more than 40 acres before crews contained it.
Current Conditions in Central Oregon
As of this week, daytime high temperatures across the region have been in the upper 70s to mid-80s, with low relative humidity and wind gusts up to 20 mph on some days — classic conditions that allow fires to spread quickly. Red Flag Warnings have been issued at various points during the season.
What You Can Do
Fire officials recommend residents across Jefferson County take precautions now:
- Clear defensible space around homes — at least 30 feet of reduced fuel
- Avoid mowing dry grass during afternoon heat and wind
- Never leave campfires or burn barrel fires unattended
- Check current fire restrictions before any outdoor burning at oregonfirepermit.org
- Sign up for Jefferson County emergency alerts at jeffco.net
With summer conditions already arriving and dry months ahead, Jefferson County fire officials urge residents throughout the county — from Madras and Culver to Crooked River Ranch, Ashwood, and Shaniko — to treat fire prevention as a daily habit, not a seasonal afterthought.