Good news for Jefferson County homeowners with a pile of yard debris to deal with: residential open burning returned to the county on Wednesday, October 1, as cooling autumn temperatures and reduced fire danger allowed local fire officials to lift the summer restrictions that have been in place since spring.
Jefferson County Fire & EMS confirmed the reopening, noting that residents must have a valid burn permit to legally burn on residential property. Permits are free and available at the Jefferson County Fire & EMS station at 765 S. Fifth St. in Madras, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Check Before You Light
Even with the season open, burning is not guaranteed every day. Wind events, poor air quality, and Red Flag Warnings can trigger temporary closures at any time. Residents should call the Jefferson County burn line at 541-475-1789 on the morning they plan to burn to confirm conditions are acceptable.
Fire officials remind residents of several key safety rules:
- Never leave a fire unattended
- Keep water sources readily accessible near the burn site at all times
- All fires must be fully extinguished by sunset
- Prohibited materials include garbage, plastic, diapers, dead animals, auto bodies, and rubber
- Commercial and industrial waste is also prohibited
FireFree Drop-Off Events in October
For residents who prefer to skip the burning entirely, Jefferson County Fire & EMS is hosting two FireFree drop-off events this month. These events let community members bring yard debris and other eligible materials to the Box Canyon Transfer Station, where fire crews collect and manage disposal — no smoke, no permit required.
FireFree events have historically been well-attended across Jefferson County and are a popular option for residents in Madras, Culver, Metolius, and Crooked River Ranch. For specific dates and details on the October drop-offs, call 541-475-7274.
A Quieter Fire Season for Jefferson County
This year's fire season in Central Oregon, while active in parts of the state, saw Jefferson County avoid major structural losses — a credit to the diligence of local fire crews and the community's cooperation with summer restrictions.
As fall moisture returns and daytime temperatures moderate, the high-desert landscape becomes significantly less volatile. Oregon Department of Forestry officials and Jefferson County Fire & EMS coordinate closely to monitor conditions throughout the season, and burning can be temporarily re-closed at any time if fire weather returns.
Residents with questions can stop by the fire station on Fifth Street or reach Jefferson County Fire & EMS by phone during business hours.