Central Oregon Public Lands Move to Stage 2 Public Use Fire Restrictions

Due to continued hot weather, extremely dry vegetation, and significant wildfire activity, the Deschutes National Forest, Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland, and Prineville District Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will move into Stage 2 public use fire restrictions at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, July 25.

Stage 2 public use fire restrictions prohibit open fires, including wood stoves and charcoal briquette fires on all Central Oregon public lands including within developed campgrounds and Wilderness areas.

Additionally, under Stage 2 public use fire restrictions, chainsaw use is prohibited. Generators must have a spark arrestor and be located in an area cleared of flammable material in a 10-foot diameter.

Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, designated campground, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material. Traveling off developed roads and trails also is not allowed, except for the purpose of going to and from a campsite located within 300 feet of the open developed road. It is prohibited to possess or use a motor vehicle off National Forest System roads except when operating in compliance with travel management rules and the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM).

Liquid and pressurized gas stoves, lanterns and fire pits with an on and off switch are allowed on federal lands with the exception of BLM-administered lands along portions of the Crooked River, Deschutes River, John Day River, White River, Lake Billy Chinook and Lake Simtustus. These public use restrictions do not replace the BLM’s annual river corridor restrictions which were implemented May 13, 2026, and prohibit campfires, charcoal fires, or any other type of open flame, including portable propane campfires and wood pellet burning devices. Commercially manufactured lanterns and metal camp stoves used for cooking are allowed when fueled with bottled propane or liquid fuel and operated in a responsible manner.

Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device or using an explosive is always prohibited on National Forest System lands in Central Oregon and currently prohibited on BLM-administered lands in Central Oregon.

The fire danger rating is currently EXTREME. The Fire Danger Rating System lets recreational users and visitors to public lands know to increase their level of caution while in the forests or rangelands. Under EXTREME conditions, fires of all types start quickly and burn intensely. All fires are potentially serious and can spread very quickly with intense burning.

Information on current fire restrictions can be obtained by calling the Central Oregon Fire Use Information Line at 1-800-523-4737.

Visit the official source for wildfire information in Central Oregon at centraloregonfire.org for wildfire updates 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.

This story is based on submitted information and has not been verified by our news team.