Bend, Ore. – The U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management announced that, effective 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, public‑use fire restrictions across Central Oregon will be reduced to Stage 1. The change reflects recent moisture gains and cooler temperatures, but officials stress that the overall fire danger rating remains high.
What Stage 1 means for recreation
Under Stage 1, open fires – including wood stoves and charcoal briquette fires – are prohibited on all public lands in the region. The only exceptions are designated campgrounds and wilderness areas within the Deschutes National Forest. Campers may still use liquid‑fuel or pressurized‑gas stoves, lanterns and fire pits that have an on‑and‑off switch, provided they stay outside the designated campgrounds on most federal lands.
Equipment rules and safety requirements
Stage 1 also imposes strict rules on equipment powered by internal‑combustion engines. Chainsaws may not be used between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; operators must carry a long‑handled round‑point shovel (8‑inch blade) and a minimum 8‑ounce ABC fire extinguisher, and they must maintain a one‑hour fire watch after the tool is turned off. Portable generators are allowed only in cleared areas with a 10‑foot radius free of flammable material and must be equipped with an approved spark arrestor.
Smoking and fireworks
Smoking is prohibited except inside an enclosed vehicle or building, within a designated campground, or while stopped in an area cleared of flammable material at least three feet in diameter. Possessing, discharging, or using fireworks, pyrotechnic devices, or explosives remains banned on all National Forest System and BLM lands.
River corridor restrictions
Open flames continue to be barred along the Crooked River, Deschutes River, John Day River, White River, Lake Billy Chinook and Lake Simtustus under river‑corridor restrictions that have been in place since May 13, 2026. These rules apply to Bureau of Land Management lands along those waterways.
Where fires are still allowed
Designated campgrounds that permit open fires are scattered across the Prineville District BLM, Ochoco National Forest, Crooked River National Grassland and Deschutes National Forest ranger districts. Campers should verify the specific sites before lighting a fire.
Why the downgrade?
Fire officials cite recent precipitation and cooler daytime highs as the primary reasons for easing the restrictions. However, they warn that the high fire danger rating means unattended fires can still spread rapidly, especially in dense brush or on dry timber. The public is urged to remain vigilant, follow all posted signs, and report any smoke or fire activity to local authorities.
What residents should do
Anyone planning outdoor recreation in Central Oregon should review the updated guidelines on the Forest Service and BLM websites, carry the required safety equipment, and respect the designated no‑fire zones. By adhering to these rules, residents and visitors help protect the region’s natural beauty while enjoying the cooler, wetter weather that has arrived this fall.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
