PRINEVILLE, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Central Oregon District is declaring the beginning of fire season on May 8, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. Starting Friday, the district’s fire danger level will be “Moderate,” and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will be I (one) in Hood River and Wasco counties.
With record low snowpack, relatively low spring rain in lower elevations, and anticipated high temperatures, fine fuels—such as grasses—in the district have begun to dry out. So far this year, the district has experienced 13 fires burning 27.66 acres, of which half were escaped debris burns. Escaped debris burns are the number one human cause of fires in Oregon. Most Central Oregon counties have already enacted debris burn bans. You can visit beforeyouburn.net to see local conditions and regulations for outdoor burning.
The declaration of fire season brings regulations based on fire danger level. Regulated activities are those known to cause fires and following regulations will help reduce fire starts. Moderate fire danger level prohibits the following activities within ODF protection:
- No debris burning, including piles and burn barrels, unless permitted by the local forester.
- Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited.
- No smoking while traveling through or working in any operation area.
In addition to the fire prevention requirements for industrial operations under IFPL I (one), a fire watch is required for a minimum of one hour during breaks and at the end of the operational period.
Additional fire restrictions or regulations may apply depending on conditions throughout the fire season. Be sure to check the fire danger level and restrictions in your local area or the area you’re traveling to.
The Oregon Department of Forestry urges residents to not become complacent in wildfire prevention. The fewer human-caused fires we have, the less the district’s resources are strained. For tips on wildfire prevention, visit www.keeporegongreen.org.
ODF’s Central Oregon District protects state and private lands in Hood River, Wasco, Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook, Grant, Wheeler, Gillam, Klamath, Umatilla, and Harney County. For more information on the Central Oregon District and fire season regulations, visit https://odfcentraloregon.com/. Check your local restrictions at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx.
For local ODF burn information, please call:
Prineville-Sisters Unit – (541) 447-5658
John Day Unit – (541)-575-1139
The Dalles Unit – (541) 296-4626