Fire season is in full swing across Central Oregon, and if you're heading to public lands this Memorial Day weekend, leave the firewood at home. Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions went into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, May 18, across a broad swath of federal land in the region — and they remain in place as of this weekend.
The restrictions cover:
- Deschutes National Forest
- Ochoco National Forest
- Crooked River National Grassland
- Prineville District Bureau of Land Management
Oregon's 2026 fire season was officially declared on May 8 by the State Forester, marking an early start driven by above-average temperatures, low relative humidity, and predicted wind events.
What's Prohibited Under Stage 1
Stage 1 restrictions prohibit all open fires on public lands, including:
- Campfires and warming fires
- Charcoal fires and charcoal briquette fires
- Portable propane campfires
- Wood pellet burning devices
- Any other type of open flame
Where Campfires Are Still Allowed
Campfires are still permitted within designated developed campgrounds and within the Deschutes National Forest Wilderness areas (Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, Three Sisters, Diamond Peak, and Mt. Thielsen Wildernesses). A number of specific campgrounds on the Ochoco National Forest, Crooked River National Grassland, and Prineville District BLM are also exempted — check with the relevant agency before your trip to confirm whether your campsite qualifies.
What About Jefferson County Backyards?
The Stage 1 restrictions apply to federal public lands, not private property or lands within Jefferson County Fire & EMS District boundaries. Backyard warming fires, campfires, and cooking fires on private property generally remain subject to local regulations. However, Jefferson County announced burn restrictions earlier in May, and residents should contact Jefferson County Fire & EMS or the Oregon Department of Forestry for the latest guidance on residential burning.
Why It Matters This Weekend
Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest outdoor recreation periods of the year across Central Oregon. Hundreds of campers head to reservoirs, forests, and high-desert campgrounds throughout Jefferson County and neighboring Crook and Deschutes counties. Fire officials urge campers to plan accordingly, keep a shovel and water bucket handy, and check fire restriction status at centraloregonfire.org before heading out.
Violations of fire restrictions can result in substantial fines and, in cases where a fire results from a violation, civil liability for suppression costs.