With October well underway and leaves starting to drop, many Jefferson County residents are eyeing their burn piles and yard debris with the same question: is it safe to light up yet? The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) wants residents to know the answer right now is: check first. Fire season has not officially ended, and debris burning remains prohibited on ODF-protected lands across the region.

When Does Fire Season Actually End?

Oregon fire season doesn't close on a fixed date. Each ODF district forester monitors local conditions — including fuel moisture levels, weather forecasts, and relative humidity — and makes the final call when it's safe to declare the season over. Historically, fire season in Central Oregon has ended anywhere between mid-October and early November. Between 2020 and 2025, the statewide end-of-season dates ranged from October 13 to November 6.

Residents should watch for an official announcement from the ODF Central Oregon District in the coming weeks. Until then, the restrictions remain in force.

What You Can and Can't Do Right Now

  • Prohibited: Debris burning on ODF-protected lands — this includes yard waste, agricultural burns, and slash piles
  • Check conditions: Recreational campfires may be allowed in some areas; verify at beforeyouburn.net before lighting anything
  • Crooked River Ranch residents: The Crooked River Ranch Fire and Rescue department has moved to online burn registration through the Before You Burn app, which alerts users in real time if weather conditions force a closure of burning windows

Oregon's 2026 Fire Season by the Numbers

It has been a significant fire year across the state. As of early October, approximately 31 active wildfires were being tracked statewide, covering an estimated 1.4 million acres across 17 counties. Jefferson County saw fire activity during the summer months, though major community areas avoided significant structural loss thanks to early detection and favorable wind conditions during peak events.

ODF has also been active with prescribed burns this season — planned fires designed to reduce future wildfire risk, improve forest health, and clear hazardous fuel loads. These burns are only conducted when weather and fuel conditions meet safety thresholds.

Resources for Jefferson County Residents

Before conducting any outdoor burning in Jefferson County, Warm Springs, Crooked River Ranch, or surrounding rural areas:

  • Visit beforeyouburn.net to check current conditions and local jurisdiction rules
  • Check with Crooked River Ranch Fire and Rescue if burning within that district
  • Contact the ODF Central Oregon District office for questions about protected land restrictions
  • Be aware that local city and county rules may differ from state-level ODF rules

With fall cleanup season in full swing, taking a few minutes to verify burn rules could prevent a costly citation — or worse, a wildfire that threatens your neighbors and the surrounding rangeland.