As August begins, weather forecasts indicate that high temperatures will continue to dry out vegetation in Central Oregon increasing the risk for wildfires. Recent thunderstorms and lightning activity in the area have increased the potential for new fire starts to be discovered in the coming weeks. Lightning-caused wildfires can smolder for several days to weeks before smoke may be visible.
To help combat new fire starts, the public is reminded to check and follow current public use fire restrictions when recreating on public lands. Central Oregon public lands are currently in Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions which prohibit open fires, including wood stoves and charcoal briquette fires across the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forest, Crooked River National Grassland and Prineville BLM except within designated, developed campgrounds. Under Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions internal combustion engines, including chainsaws, are prohibited between 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more details on public use restrictions and a full list of designated campgrounds where campfires are permitted in central Oregon, visit centraloregonfire.org/2025/07/15/deschutes-wilderness-areas-added-to-stage-1-public-use-fire-restrictions-starting-july-18/.
Following last week’s lightning activity in Central Oregon, firefighters responded to 49 new wildfire starts resulting in less than 10 acres burned. Most of these fires were around one-tenth of an acre in size and have been contained or controlled, thanks to the rapid response from initial attack resources both on the ground and from the air, including aircraft, smoke jumpers, and rappelers.
As we enter peak fire season, remember to make safe choices, recreate responsibly, and do your part to prevent new wildfires from starting.
For information on public use restrictions and wildfire updates, visit the official source for wildfire information in Central Oregon at centraloregonfire.org or follow fire information on X/Twitter @CentralORfire. Call 9-1-1 to report a wildfire. For smoke and air quality information visit fire.airnow.gov.
