Homeowners across Jefferson County will soon be able to light their burn piles again. Jefferson County Fire & EMS has announced that the residential outdoor burn season is set to reopen on Wednesday, October 1, 2026, marking the end of a summer fire restriction period that began in early May.

Why the Restriction Is Lifting

Fire danger across Central Oregon has dropped significantly as fall weather patterns set in, bringing cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and the first meaningful precipitation of the season. Central Oregon fire officials reduced public use fire restrictions on federal lands from Stage 2 to Stage 1 on September 5 — and now county-level residential burning is following suit.

Burn restrictions for residential open burning in Jefferson County went into effect May 4, 2026, as warming temperatures and dry summer conditions raised fire risk across the region. The 2026 fire season has wound down without a major county-level fire emergency, and officials say conditions are now appropriate to reopen.

What You Can and Cannot Burn

When residential burning reopens, Jefferson County residents will be permitted to burn yard debris such as grass clippings, dried leaves, small woody material, and agricultural waste — under specific conditions. Jefferson County Fire & EMS reminds residents of the following requirements:

  • A burn permit is required before any open outdoor burning begins. Permits are available through Jefferson County.
  • Burn only on calm days — never when wind conditions are elevated.
  • Burn piles must be attended at all times by a responsible adult.
  • Keep water or other extinguishing materials nearby at all times.
  • Do not burn when ODF has issued a fire weather watch or warning.
  • Prohibited materials include household garbage, treated or painted wood, plastics, rubber, and yard waste containing noxious weeds.

Forest Lands Remain Under Stage 1 Restrictions

Residential burning and campfire rules on public lands are separate systems. Deschutes National Forest and other federal public lands in Central Oregon remain under Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions, in effect since September 5. Stage 1 prohibits open fires, including wood stoves and charcoal briquette fires, at developed recreation sites in designated areas. Visitors to forest areas near Madras, Camp Sherman, and the Metolius River corridor should verify current restrictions before their visit at centraloregonfire.org.

How to Get a Burn Permit

Residents planning to burn this fall should obtain a permit and verify conditions on the day of burning before striking a match. Information on burn permits and current fire restrictions is available through Jefferson County Fire & EMS at jcfr1.org or by calling the department directly. Additionally, the Oregon Department of Forestry maintains an interactive fire restrictions map at gisapps.odf.oregon.gov/firerestrictions.

With a cooler, wetter fall forecasted across Central Oregon this year, fire officials expect conditions to remain favorable for safe residential burning through October and into November — but remind residents that conditions can shift, and safety always comes first.