Citing above-average temperatures, low relative humidity, and forecasted gusty winds, the Deschutes National Forest, Ochoco National Forest, Crooked River National Grassland, and the Prineville District Bureau of Land Management implemented Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions effective Monday, May 18, at 12:01 a.m.

What Is Prohibited

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

  • Open fires of any kind, including campfires, charcoal fires, and wood stoves outside of developed campgrounds
  • Smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or at a designated developed recreation site
  • Operating a chainsaw or other equipment capable of producing a spark without a fire extinguisher on hand
  • Using exploding targets or tracer ammunition

Exceptions

Campfires are still permitted within designated developed campgrounds and within the five Deschutes National Forest Wilderness areas: Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, Three Sisters, Diamond Peak, and Mt. Thielsen. Exceptions also apply at a number of named campgrounds on the Ochoco National Forest, Crooked River National Grassland, and Prineville BLM district, where fire rings are provided and fire restrictions in the immediate campsite area have been deemed manageable.

Why Now?

Fire managers note that the timing — mid-May — is notably early for Stage 1 restrictions to take effect in Central Oregon. The region experienced a historically warm winter with snowpack finishing well below normal across the Cascades and high desert. Fuel moistures in grass and brush are declining rapidly, and National Weather Service forecasts call for persistent below-normal precipitation and above-normal temperatures through early summer.

"Due to recent weather patterns, including above-average temperatures, low relative humidity and predicted winds, we are moving into Stage 1 restrictions earlier than usual," said the Central Oregon Fire Information team in a news release.

Violations and Penalties

Violating fire restrictions on federal public lands can result in fines of up to $5,000 and up to six months in jail. Anyone who starts a wildfire through negligence may also be held financially liable for suppression costs.

Stay Informed

The public can find current fire restriction information and news about active incidents in Central Oregon at centraloregonfire.org or by calling the Central Oregon Fire Use Information Line at 1-800-523-4737. Residents and visitors are reminded that restrictions can escalate to Stage 2 — which bans fires even in developed campgrounds — quickly if conditions worsen.