If you're planning a late-August camping trip in the hills above Jefferson County or anywhere on Central Oregon's public lands, leave the lighter at home: Stage 2 public-use fire restrictions remain fully in effect, and campfires of any kind are prohibited.

The restrictions were implemented on July 22, 2026, by a coalition of land managers including the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests, the Bureau of Land Management, and Oregon Department of Forestry districts covering Jefferson and surrounding counties. As of this week, no easing of restrictions has been announced.

What Stage 2 Means

Under Stage 2 restrictions, the following are prohibited on all public lands in the affected area:

  • All campfires and bonfires, including in established fire rings
  • Charcoal grills and wood-burning stoves outside developed campgrounds
  • Smoking except inside a vehicle or building, or at a designated smoking area
  • Use of any explosive device, including fireworks
  • Operating a chainsaw or other equipment that could generate sparks, except before 10:00 a.m.

Propane and gas-fueled camp stoves remain permitted. Campfire rings at designated, developed campgrounds with specific exemptions may allow fires only where posted.

Why Restrictions Remain High

Fire officials cite an exceptionally dry summer across Central Oregon. Vegetation moisture levels — a key indicator of fire risk — remain critically low heading into late August, which is historically the most dangerous stretch of Oregon's fire season. The Bench Fire on the Warm Springs Reservation and other recent fires across the region underscore how quickly conditions can turn.

"We know fire restrictions are an inconvenience," said one area fire information officer in a previous statement, "but conditions on the ground have not changed enough to justify relaxing them."

Private Land Rules Still Apply

Even on private land, Jefferson County residents should be aware that Oregon Department of Forestry burn permits are required for most debris burning, and many rural areas remain under prohibitions due to industrial fire restrictions. Before burning anything — even small debris piles — check current restrictions at oregon.gov/odf or call the local ODF office.

Current fire restriction status for all Central Oregon jurisdictions is available at centraloregonfire.org. Violations of fire restrictions can result in fines up to $100,000 and criminal charges if a fire results from the violation.