Fire managers pulled the trigger early this year. As of 12:01 a.m. Monday, May 18, Central Oregon public lands are under Stage 1 fire restrictions — weeks ahead of the typical summer timeline.

The Central Oregon Fire Management Service (COFMS) announced the restrictions Friday, citing above-average temperatures, low relative humidity, and predicted winds across the region. The move affects the Deschutes National Forest, Ochoco National Forest, Crooked River National Grassland, and the Prineville District Bureau of Land Management — all lands that border or fall within Jefferson County.

What Stage 1 Means

Under Stage 1 public use fire restrictions, the following are prohibited on affected public lands:

  • Open campfires, including wood stoves and charcoal briquette fires
  • Portable propane campfires and wood pellet burning devices
  • Any other type of open flame in non-designated areas

Some designated campgrounds are exempt. On the Crooked River National Grassland, Haystack Reservoir Campground and Skull Hollow Campground are among the designated sites where fires may still be permitted in developed fire rings.

On the Ochoco National Forest, designated sites include Antelope Flat Reservoir, Ochoco Divide, Walton Lake, and others in the Lookout Mountain and Paulina ranger districts.

Fire Season Already Underway Statewide

Oregon’s 2026 fire season was formally declared effective May 8, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry. Multiple Central Oregon counties have also moved to require burn permits for debris fires on private lands.

Jefferson County residents on private property should check current ODF restrictions before burning. Conditions this spring have included record-threatening heat in mid-May, with Madras reaching a high near 87 degrees last week.

What Residents and Visitors Should Know

Anyone recreating on public lands near Madras, Culver, Warm Springs, Camp Sherman, or Crooked River Ranch this weekend should plan accordingly. Violation of fire restrictions on federal lands can result in fines of up to $5,000 or six months in jail.

For current restriction information and exempted campgrounds, visit centraloregonfire.org or contact the Ochoco National Forest Lookout Mountain Ranger District in Prineville.