Campers, hikers, and recreationists heading into the high country around Jefferson County should be aware that new fire restrictions took effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday, July 20, bringing all Wilderness areas on the Deschutes National Forest under Stage 1 public use fire restrictions.

The expansion covers the Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, Three Sisters, Diamond Peak, and Mt. Thielsen Wilderness areas. Fire officials cited continued hot and dry conditions and an increase in fire starts across the region as the reason for the escalation.

What Is Prohibited

Under Stage 1 restrictions, the following are banned in the affected Wilderness areas:

  • Open fires of any kind, including wood, biomass, twig stoves, and charcoal briquette fires
  • Smoking outside of enclosed vehicles, buildings, designated campgrounds, or a cleared area at least three feet in diameter
  • Traveling off developed roads and trails (except to reach a campsite within 300 feet of an open road)

What Is Still Allowed

Liquid and pressurized gas stoves, lanterns, and fire pits with an on/off switch remain permitted outside designated campgrounds. Chainsaw use is allowed outside of the 1:00–8:00 p.m. window, with required safety equipment and a one-hour fire watch after use. Portable generators are permitted when properly secured and equipped with an approved spark arrestor.

Stage 1 Already in Place Across Central Oregon

The Deschutes National Forest, Ochoco National Forest, Crooked River National Grassland, and Prineville District Bureau of Land Management have been under Stage 1 restrictions for some time. Todays announcement extends those restrictions into the Wilderness zones that had previously been exempt.

Several campgrounds within Jefferson Countys recreational orbit — including Allen Springs, Camp Sherman, Pioneer Ford, and Perry South along the Metolius River corridor — remain designated campgrounds where campfire use may be permitted in established fire rings. Visitors should verify current conditions before lighting any fire.

Extreme Fire Danger

The fire danger rating across Central Oregon is currently classified as extreme — the highest level on the scale. At this rating, fire officials warn that all new starts have the potential to spread rapidly and with high intensity before crews can respond.

"Hot, dry summer conditions mean that even a small spark can lead to significant fire activity," Central Oregon Fire officials noted in a recent advisory.

Fireworks of any kind remain permanently prohibited on National Forest System lands and are currently banned on BLM-administered lands in Central Oregon as well.

For current fire restriction information, call the Central Oregon Fire Use Information Line at 1-800-523-4737, visit centraloregonfire.org, or follow @CentralORfire on X. Report wildfires by calling 9-1-1.