Fire season is officially underway in Jefferson County, and conditions are serious. All open burning in the Jefferson County Fire & EMS district is closed, a status that took effect May 4 and remains in place as of mid-June — with no end date in sight given forecasted weather conditions.

What the Restrictions Mean

Under the current summer burn restrictions, the following rules apply across the district:

  • Open field burning is prohibited
  • Burning in approved burn barrels with screens only is allowed, with a valid permit
  • Burning hours are restricted to sunrise to 10:00 a.m. daily
  • All fires must be attended at all times
  • Only approved materials may be burned
  • A pressurized water source (hose line) must be on hand
  • Fires must be fully extinguished by 10:00 a.m.

Backyard warming fires, campfires, and cooking fires within the Jefferson County Fire & EMS district remain generally allowed year-round but are subject to additional restrictions during periods of elevated fire danger.

Before burning anything, residents should call the burn information line: (541) 475-1789.

A Dangerous Season Ahead

The restrictions come as Oregon's new state forester, Kacey KC, has warned that wildfire risk will be above normal east of the Cascades beginning in June, extending to other parts of the state later in the summer. That assessment squarely includes Jefferson County and the surrounding high desert.

A dry and mild winter left snowpack well below average across Central Oregon, meaning less moisture in soils and vegetation heading into summer. Combined with forecasted heat waves, officials say fuels are curing faster than normal — a key predictor of dangerous fire conditions.

Central Oregon is already under High fire danger ratings due to warm, dry, and at times windy conditions that fire officials describe as more typical of mid-July, not mid-June.

Crooked River Ranch and Surrounding Areas

Residents of Crooked River Ranch, Culver, Metolius, and other unincorporated communities should be aware that fire danger varies by district. Contact your local fire district or check Oregon Department of Forestry restrictions at oregon.gov/odf before burning.

Protecting Your Property

Fire officials recommend Jefferson County residents take advantage of the early summer weeks to create defensible space around structures, clear dry vegetation from rooflines and gutters, and ensure house numbers are visible from the road for emergency response. Free defensible space consultations may be available through your local fire district — call your district office to ask.

For current conditions and to report a fire, call 911. For burn restriction information: (541) 475-1789 or visit jcfr1.org.