After months of summer fire restrictions, Jefferson County residents will be able to light up their yard debris piles again starting Wednesday, October 1 — but only if they've secured a burn permit first.

Jefferson County Fire & EMS announced that open residential burning will reopen October 1, ending a fire season that brought elevated restrictions across Central Oregon. The department emphasized that burn permits are required to legally burn on residential property, and failing to obtain one could result in fines.

How to Get Your Burn Permit

Permits are free and easy to obtain. Residents can pick them up in person at the Jefferson County Fire & EMS station at 765 S. Fifth St., Madras, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. No appointment is needed.

Before You Strike a Match

Fire officials urge residents to follow all regulations before burning:

  • Call the burn line at 541-475-1789 each day before burning to confirm it is a valid burn day — conditions can change quickly.
  • Never leave a fire unattended.
  • Keep water sources close at hand and ready to use.
  • Extinguish all fires by sunset.

What Can — and Can't — Be Burned

Residential burning is limited to yard debris such as leaves, grass clippings, branches, and other natural vegetation. The following materials are strictly prohibited:

  • Garbage, food waste, or plastics
  • Diapers or hygiene products
  • Dead animals
  • Auto bodies or tires
  • Rubber of any kind
  • Commercial or industrial waste

Even with a valid permit, burning can be suspended on short notice due to poor air quality, high winds, Red Flag Warnings, or other fire-weather conditions. Always check the burn line before starting a fire.

FireFree Events in October

Residents who prefer not to burn — or who want to dispose of materials that cannot be legally burned — will have two opportunities in October to drop off yard debris at Box Canyon Transfer Station. Jefferson County Fire & EMS will collect eligible materials during these free FireFree events.

For more information on the FireFree events, call 541-475-7274.

The reopening of burn season marks a turning point in the calendar, signaling the county's transition out of summer fire danger and into the cooler, wetter months of fall. Last spring, Jefferson County imposed burn restrictions starting May 4 as conditions dried rapidly across the region.

Residents with questions about outdoor burning regulations can visit the Jefferson County Fire & EMS website or stop by the station on Fifth Street.