A small but attention-grabbing wildfire ignited in Jefferson County on June 1, burning approximately two acres in brush and timber about five miles southwest of Lake Billy Chinook. The Jordan Fire triggered brief evacuation warnings — including a Level 2 "Be Set" notice for the Lake Billy Chinook 5 Black zone — before crews brought the fire under control and lifted all evacuation orders.

Multiple interagency resources, including aircraft, responded to the fire. No structures were threatened. The rapid response and quick containment reflected the readiness fire agencies have been building as Oregon heads into what officials are calling a potentially severe 2026 fire season.

Officials: 2026 Season Could Be Severe

Oregon Department of Forestry and state emergency management officials have been warning since spring that conditions are aligning for a dangerous summer. Factors contributing to elevated risk include:

  • Below-average snowpack across Central and Eastern Oregon, leaving vegetation drier earlier in the season
  • Above-normal temperatures forecast through the summer months
  • Critically dry fuel conditions in high desert communities including Jefferson County

Zen Fire Near Jefferson County in May

The Jordan Fire was not the first sign of a busy season. In late May, the Zen Fire burned more than 1,000 acres approximately five miles south of Clarno in Wheeler, Wasco, and Jefferson counties. That fire burned under high wind conditions that significantly accelerated fire behavior and complicated suppression.

What Residents Should Do Now

Fire agencies recommend that Jefferson County residents take these steps before a fire breaks out near their property:

  • Build a go-bag with at least 72 hours of supplies, medications, documents, and pet supplies
  • Sign up for Jefferson County emergency alerts through the county's emergency notification system
  • Know your evacuation zone using the Jefferson County Evacuation Map at jeffco.net
  • Create defensible space of at least 30 feet around structures by clearing dry grass, brush, and debris
  • Check for fire restrictions before any outdoor burning, campfires, or use of fireworks

Fire Restrictions

Burn restrictions and fire danger ratings change rapidly with weather. Oregon Department of Forestry's current public fire restrictions map is available at gisapps.odf.oregon.gov/firerestrictions. Violations of fire restrictions are punishable by fines and can result in civil liability for suppression costs.

Lake Billy Chinook and surrounding canyon lands are particularly vulnerable given steep terrain and wind-driven fire behavior. Residents in areas including Crooked River Ranch, Culver, and properties near the Deschutes River canyon should be especially vigilant.