Jefferson County entered fire season earlier this spring, and residents should be aware that the rules for burning on their properties have changed significantly over the past two weeks.

Jefferson County Fire and EMS District announced that all open burning closed effective sunset on Sunday, May 3, 2026, citing drying fire fuels and forecasted weather conditions. The announcement came before the Oregon State Forester officially declared the 2026 fire season open on May 8.

Summer Burn Restrictions: What Is and Is Not Allowed

Under current summer burning restrictions, the following rules apply throughout the Jefferson County Fire and EMS District and surrounding areas served by Central Oregon Fire Management Services:

  • Burning is only allowed in approved burn barrels with screens, and only with a valid burn permit
  • Burning hours are restricted to sunrise to 10:00 a.m. daily
  • Fires must be attended at all times
  • Only approved materials may be burned — no garbage, treated wood, or other prohibited materials
  • A pressurized water source (hose line) must be available at the burn site
  • All fires must be fully extinguished by 10:00 a.m.

Backyard fires — including warming fires, campfires, and cooking fires — are generally still allowed year-round within the district. However, all backyard fires must comply with local burning regulations, and additional restrictions may be put in place during periods of elevated fire danger.

Statewide Context: Early Fire Season

The early start to fire season in Central Oregon reflects conditions seen across the region. Oregon State Forester declared fire season active as of 12:01 a.m. on May 8 — earlier than many recent years. Neighboring Hood River and Wasco counties also moved to moderate fire danger status last week, banning debris burning without special permission.

Prescribed burn operations planned on the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District at Pine Mountain were cancelled on May 7 due to unfavorable conditions, a sign that fire weather has already become a management variable that land managers are closely watching.

Before You Burn

Residents with questions about current restrictions or burn permit status should call Jefferson County Fire and EMS at 541-475-1789 before burning anything. The call-before-you-burn requirement remains in effect even for permitted activities during the restricted morning window.

With a dry spring already underway and the Madras area consistently receiving less rainfall than the western slope of the Cascades, fire officials urge all county residents — from Crooked River Ranch to Culver to Ashwood — to remain vigilant about fire conditions through what could be a challenging season.

Residents can also monitor statewide fire information and restriction updates at centraloregonfire.org.