The wait is over for Jefferson County residents looking to clear yard debris this fall. Open residential burning has been permitted since October 1, 2026, after fire chiefs across Central Oregon agreed that cooling temperatures and reduced fire danger made it safe to reopen the burn season.

Jefferson County, Crook County, and Deschutes County fire chiefs jointly reopened debris burning at 12:01 a.m. on October 1, following a summer that saw extended burn restrictions and an emergency closure of burn barrels during peak fire conditions.

From Burn Barrel Ban to Open Season

Earlier this fall, Jefferson County Fire & EMS issued an emergency closure of burn barrels due to elevated fire danger across the area. The closure — common during Central Oregon's hot, dry late-summer stretch — kept many residents waiting to clear accumulations of yard waste, pruned brush, and dried debris.

Now that October rains and cooling nights have lowered the fire risk across the county, residents can resume burning within the guidelines set by Jefferson County Fire & EMS and the Oregon Department of Forestry.

Guidelines for Safe Burning

Even with burn season officially open, Jefferson County Fire & EMS urges residents to burn smart and burn safe. Key rules to follow include:

  • Check daily burn conditions before lighting — wind and weather can change overnight
  • Keep burn piles manageable — no larger than roughly the size of a compact car
  • Have a water source nearby at all times
  • Never burn on windy days or when relative humidity is low
  • Fully extinguish all burning material before leaving the site unattended
  • Burning is typically permitted between 9 a.m. and one hour before sunset
  • Do not burn prohibited materials: treated lumber, plastics, garbage, or debris coated with accelerants

Conditions Can Change — Check Before You Burn

Even during open burn season, emergency closures can be issued at any time if fire weather conditions deteriorate. Jefferson County residents — particularly those in rural and unincorporated areas, Crooked River Ranch, and near the Warm Springs Reservation boundary — are encouraged to stay current on daily conditions.

For the most up-to-date burn status, contact the Oregon Department of Forestry's Central Oregon District or call Jefferson County Fire & EMS. Burn conditions can also be checked at centraloregonfire.org.

Take advantage of the open season — fall is the ideal time to safely clear your property of accumulated debris before winter weather arrives.