The Central Oregon Fire Chiefs Association (COFCA) is closely following local drought declarations, and the seasonal fire outlook. Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson and north Klamath Counties are abnormally dry with portions already in severe drought.
“We experienced a mild winter with low snowpack. Given the current and expected conditions, we need the public’s help to prevent accidental fire starts.”, said COFCA Chair Todd Riley, Fire Chief for Bend Fire & Rescue.
Burning residential debris piles in most fire districts will not be allowed after midnight on Thursday, April 30, 2026. This is a month earlier than previous years because of the increased risk. Each fire district will assess conditions on a daily basis to determine if burning is allowed. Many will stay closed until the fall.
The Oregon Department of Forestry introduced a new tool to help you know if you can burn. Before You Burn is a website and app that gives real-time weather, local agency guidance, and burn condition updates just by entering your address.
Instead of burning, there are other ways to lower wildfire risk. Options include chipping, hauling to a landfill or transfer site, or piling and covering in place. More information for preventing wildfires, fire department listings, and fire restrictions can also be found at centraloregonfire.org.
Below is a list of phone numbers for Central Oregon agencies.
541-382-2333 – Alfalfa Fire District
541-322-6335 – Bend/Deschutes Rural District #2
541-595-2288 – Black Butte Ranch
541-389-2345 – Cloverdale
541-433-2451 – Crescent Fire District
541-447-2876 – Crook County Fire & Rescue
541-923-4633 – Crooked River Ranch RFPD
541-475-1789 – Jefferson County Fire & EMS
541-536-9056 – La Pine Fire Department
541-410-5077 – Lake Chinook Fire & Rescue
541-504-5035 – Redmond Fire & Rescue
541-549-2333 – Sisters-Camp Sherman
541-553-1146 – Warm Springs Fire & Safety
541-383-5300 – Deschutes National Forest
541-416-6500 – Ochoco National Forest/Crooked River Grasslands
541-416-6700 – Bureau of Land Management
541-447-5658 – Oregon Department of Forestry Prineville Unit
541-549-2731 – Oregon Department of Forestry Sisters Sub-Unit
541-433-2451 – Walker Range Fire Patrol Association
Together, with responsible actions by individuals and pre-season readiness from our fire service, Central Oregon will be able to head into another fire year safely.
