A wildfire ignited in Jefferson County on June 1, briefly prompting evacuation warnings near Lake Billy Chinook before firefighting crews — including aerial resources — successfully contained the blaze.

The Fire

The Jordan Fire was reported approximately five miles southwest of Lake Billy Chinook, burning in brush and timber. At its peak, the fire covered roughly two acres, and no structures were reported threatened.

Multiple interagency crews responded to the fire, and aircraft were called in to assist ground operations. Watch Duty, the real-time wildfire tracking service used widely across the Pacific Northwest, initially reported the fire and tracked evacuation zone changes for area residents.

Evacuation Zones

As the fire grew, Jefferson County issued the following evacuation levels:

  • Level 2 “Be Set” evacuation for zone Lake Billy Chinook 5 Black — residents in this zone were advised to prepare to leave immediately if conditions worsened
  • Level 1 “Be Ready” evacuation for zone Lake Billy Chinook Public Lands 3 North — a precautionary alert for residents to gather belongings and be prepared to go

All evacuation orders were subsequently lifted once fire crews established containment lines. The Jefferson County Evacuation Map, available at ArcGIS, is updated in real time and provides the most current zone status.

Context: Fire Season Already Underway

The Jordan Fire arrived just two weeks after the Oregon Department of Forestry placed Jefferson County and surrounding areas under a Regulated Use Closure, effective May 18. That closure restricts campfires, chainsaw use during afternoon hours, off-road vehicle use on unimproved roads, and possession of fireworks on state-protected lands.

The 2026 fire season was officially declared in effect beginning May 8, nearly a month earlier than typical, as warm, dry, and windy conditions pushed fire danger to levels more commonly seen in mid-June. Residents throughout Jefferson County are urged to follow all current fire restrictions. Information on current restrictions is available at centraloregonfire.org.

Reminder: What Is and Isn’t Allowed

Under the current Regulated Use Closure on ODF-protected lands in Jefferson County:

  • ❌ Campfires, cooking fires, and charcoal fires are prohibited (except in designated fire rings in some areas)
  • ✅ Portable propane camp stoves are allowed in clear areas free of vegetation
  • ❌ Chainsaw use prohibited 1 p.m.–8 p.m.
  • ❌ Off-road vehicles prohibited on unimproved roads
  • ❌ Fireworks prohibited

Residents with questions can contact the ODF Prineville Unit or visit the Central Oregon Fire Information website for the most current guidance.