Central Oregon’s fire season is picking up pace with new ignitions reported on the Ochoco National Forest and surrounding BLM lands, as fire managers warn that dry fuels, human activity, and approaching holiday weekend conditions are creating elevated risk across the region.

New Starts on the Ochoco

Interagency resources have responded to a new fire start on the Ochoco National Forest, located approximately three miles west of the Mill Creek Wilderness near Harvey Gap. Details on acreage and containment status were still developing as of Tuesday morning, but initial attack resources were dispatched quickly.

Separately, the Wheeler County Rural Fire Protection Association, along with three agency engines, a dozer, and air attack, responded to a fire approximately 10 to 12 miles northeast of Mitchell. That blaze was reported at approximately 20 acres with a moderate rate of spread, burning in grass fuels.

Trout Creek Fire Sets the Tone

Earlier this season, the Trout Creek Fire near Sisters on the Deschutes National Forest drew attention as one of the first significant wildland fire incidents of 2026 in Central Oregon. It served as an early warning that fuel conditions this season are primed for rapid fire growth — a concern echoed by AccuWeather’s 2026 Oregon fire forecast, which projected an above-normal fire season for the state.

Current Restrictions in Effect

Fire managers across Central Oregon have put significant restrictions in place for public lands. Under a Deschutes National Forest fire order effective since May 18, 2026:

  • Campfires are prohibited except in designated campgrounds with metal fire rings or grates
  • Woodcutting is prohibited between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. daily
  • Parking on dry grass is prohibited
  • Fireworks are prohibited on all public lands

These restrictions are in effect through November 30, 2026, or until rescinded. Similar restrictions apply on Ochoco National Forest, Prineville District BLM, and Oregon Department of Forestry lands across the region.

Human Causes Dominating

Fire officials in Central Oregon emphasize that human-caused fires are the leading driver of ignitions so far in 2026. Equipment sparks, vehicle exhaust on dry grass, and escaped campfires have all contributed to fires this season. With the Fourth of July holiday approaching, officials are especially concerned about illegal fireworks use on public lands.

“Many human-caused fires in Central Oregon have recently started by equipment, vehicles, and campfires,” Central Oregon Fire Information noted in a public advisory this week.

What Residents Should Know

Anyone observing a fire on public lands in Central Oregon should call 911 immediately. Residents and recreationists are strongly urged to:

  • Check current fire restrictions before any outdoor activity at centraloregonfire.org
  • Avoid parking on or driving through dry grass
  • Refrain from any open burning or fireworks use on public lands
  • Have an evacuation plan in place

With summer heat building and the fire season just ramping up, fire managers expect the pace of new starts in Central Oregon to increase through July and August.