As thousands of Central Oregonians and out-of-region visitors head outdoors this Labor Day weekend, fire officials are urging everyone to leave the firewood at home. Stage 2 public use fire restrictions — the most restrictive level short of full closure — remain in effect across all Central Oregon public lands and are expected to hold through the holiday weekend.

The restrictions, which took effect July 25 on the Deschutes National Forest, Ochoco National Forest, Crooked River National Grassland, and the Prineville District Bureau of Land Management, prohibit open fires of all kinds. That includes campfires, wood stoves, charcoal briquette fires, and pellet-burning devices — even inside developed campgrounds and designated fire rings.

What Is and Is Not Allowed

Under Stage 2 restrictions, the following activities are prohibited on affected federal public lands:

  • All open fires, including campfires, charcoal, and wood stoves
  • Chainsaw use
  • Smoking, except inside an enclosed vehicle or building, or in an area at least three feet in diameter cleared of all flammable material
  • Traveling off developed roads and trails (with limited exceptions)

The following are still permitted on most federal lands:

  • Liquid fuel stoves (propane, white gas) with an on/off switch
  • Gas lanterns with an on/off switch
  • Generators equipped with a spark arrestor, operated in a 10-foot cleared area

Note: BLM river corridor restrictions — which apply along portions of the Crooked River, Deschutes River, John Day River, and around Lake Billy Chinook and Lake Simtustus — are even stricter, prohibiting all open flame including portable propane campfires.

Fire Danger Remains High

The Jefferson County area has seen an active fire summer. A vegetation fire near Round Butte ignited in early August under a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) weather event, and intermittent smoke has affected portions of Wasco and Jefferson counties in recent weeks. As of this weekend, conditions remain hot and dry across the region.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to check current fire restriction status before heading out at centraloregonfire.org and to report smoke or fire immediately by calling 911 or the Oregon Department of Forestry at (541) 447-5658.

Violations of Stage 2 fire restrictions can result in fines and criminal charges. Please recreate responsibly this Labor Day weekend.