Central Oregon is experiencing extreme fire danger conditions, with fire restrictions in effect across all federal public lands in the region. On June 25, a new fire — the Sourdough Fire (Incident #0348) — ignited, adding to an already active stretch for the region that includes an earlier fire south of Madras on June 23.

Extreme Fire Danger Across Federal Lands

The Deschutes National Forest and other Central Oregon federal land management agencies moved the fire danger rating to EXTREME, the highest category, triggering Stage 2 fire restrictions. Under these restrictions, campfires are prohibited on all federal public lands in the region, including dispersed campsites, developed campgrounds, and trailheads. Smoking is limited to enclosed vehicles and developed sites. Use of equipment that could spark a fire — including chainsaws and welding equipment — requires special precautions.

Extreme fire danger means that any new fire starts are likely to establish and spread rapidly, with the potential for significant acreage growth in a short period of time. The combination of early-season drought, record heat, and low relative humidity has dried out vegetation to critical levels weeks ahead of the typical peak fire danger window.

Incident #0341 — South of Madras (June 23)

On the afternoon of June 23, a fire reported at approximately 4:45 p.m. ignited approximately two miles south of Madras on the east side of Highway 26. Central Oregon fire agencies responded immediately to contain the fire before it could spread into populated areas or timber resources. Updates to Incident #0341 continued through the evening of June 23.

Sourdough Fire (Incident #0348) — June 25

A second fire, the Sourdough Fire, ignited on June 25 at approximately 2:46 p.m. and received a final update from Central Oregon Fire Information on the evening of June 25. Full details of the fire's final size and containment status were not immediately available, but the fire was significant enough to receive incident number designation and public information reporting.

What Extreme Fire Danger Means for Visitors

Recreationists and outdoor enthusiasts visiting Central Oregon public lands should be aware of all current fire restrictions before heading out:

  • No campfires or charcoal fires anywhere on restricted federal lands
  • No fireworks, including sparklers
  • No target shooting with tracer or incendiary ammunition
  • Motorized equipment use restricted during high-risk periods

Violations of fire restrictions can result in fines up to $5,000 and up to six months imprisonment. More information on current restrictions is available at centraloregonfire.org.