Central Oregon's public lands officially entered Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions on May 18, 2026, as fire managers responded to worsening fuel conditions and an early start to fire activity across the region. The restrictions affect the Deschutes National Forest, Ochoco National Forest, Crooked River National Grassland, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Prineville, Lakeview, and Medford District lands.

What the Restrictions Mean for Visitors

Under Stage 1 restrictions, the following are prohibited on affected public lands:

  • Open campfires, including wood fires, at any location outside of a developed recreation site with a metal fire grate or fire ring
  • Charcoal briquette or wood-fueled fires at any location
  • Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or in a cleared area at least three feet in diameter
  • Using explosive devices, fireworks, or pyrotechnic devices

Gas and propane camp stoves are permitted under Stage 1 restrictions. Generators must be fully contained in a truck bed or mounted on a vehicle, placed in a cleared area and equipped with an approved spark arrestor.

Oregon Department of Forestry's Prineville Unit, Fossil Sub-Unit, and Sisters Sub-Unit also moved into Regulated Use Closure effective May 18 — a parallel set of restrictions that applies to ODF-protected forestlands in the region.

Flat Fire: Progress on Containment, Evacuation Levels Downgraded

The Flat Fire, which ignited near Culver in Jefferson County and drew significant attention last week, had reached 67 percent containment as of Tuesday morning. In a significant development for affected residents, all evacuation levels were downgraded to Level 1 — "Be Ready" — meaning residents who had been evacuated are now permitted to return home, though they should remain prepared to leave again if conditions change.

The Flat Fire broke out amid dry, windy conditions east of the Cascades and spread rapidly through grass and shrub fuels before crews established containment lines. At its peak, Level 2 and Level 3 evacuation orders were in effect for surrounding areas. Firefighting aircraft and multiple engine crews were deployed before weather improved enough for ground crews to make sustained progress.

Fire Restriction Compliance Is Critical

Fire managers are urging full compliance with the new restrictions, emphasizing that this year's conditions make any ignition particularly dangerous. The Oregon Department of Forestry notes that violation of fire restrictions can result in civil fines and criminal prosecution, and that individuals responsible for starting fires — even accidentally — may be liable for suppression costs.

Residents and visitors can check current fire restrictions and stay updated on the Central Oregon Fire Information website at centraloregonfire.org or by calling the Central Oregon Fire Use Information Line at 1-800-523-4737.