A wildfire ignited by lightning Sunday evening is now half contained after firefighters worked through the night near Lake Billy Chinook, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and Oregon Department of Forestry reported Tuesday.

What We Know

The Jordan Road Incident started at 4:53 p.m. Sunday, June 1, approximately five miles southwest of Lake Billy Chinook. By Tuesday morning, June 3, the fire had grown to about 7.5 acres and was 50% contained, according to Central Oregon Fire Information.

The blaze is burning in a mix of grass, brush, and timber, and at least one structure was threatened during the initial response. Interagency fire crews are working toward full containment using water and hand tools.

Resources On Scene

As of Tuesday, the following resources were assigned to the Jordan Road fire:

  • Two full fire crews
  • Five engines
  • One water tender
  • One suppression module
  • Overhead management team

Evacuations Issued, Then Lifted

At the height of the fire's spread on Sunday evening, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office issued evacuation notices for nearby areas. A Level 2 "Be Set" evacuation was issued for zone Lake Billy Chinook 5 Black, and a Level 1 "Be Ready" was issued for zone Lake Billy Chinook Public Lands 3 North. All evacuation orders have since been lifted as containment efforts progressed.

Fire Season Context

The Jordan Road fire is the first significant wildfire incident in Jefferson County for the 2026 fire season, which officially began May 8 under a declaration by the Oregon State Forester. The Oregon Department of Forestry has already issued a Regulated Use Closure for Central Oregon due to warm, dry, and windy conditions that officials say are arriving weeks ahead of schedule.

Residents in Jefferson County and across the region are reminded that fire season restrictions are in effect. Open burning may be restricted or prohibited depending on local conditions. Check with ODF or your county's fire information resources before any outdoor burning activity.

Updates on the Jordan Road fire can be found at centraloregonfire.org.