Deschutes County, OR — With wildfire season approaching, Deschutes County officials have announced that public use fire restrictions will go into effect starting June 1. The seasonal measures apply to all County-owned properties and unprotected lands in unincorporated areas and are expected to remain in place through mid-October.

The annual restrictions, which have been enacted each summer since 2014, are aimed at minimizing the risk of human-caused wildfires during Central Oregon’s dry and fire-prone months.

“As we transition to warmer and drier summer weather, we’re asking the public to remain diligent and comply with these restrictions for the health and safety of our entire community,” said Kevin Moriarty, Deschutes County Forester.

Key Restrictions

Under the new rules, open fires are strictly prohibited, including campfires, charcoal grills, cooking fires, and warming fires — unless in designated areas. However, portable cooking stoves that use bottled or liquefied fuels will still be allowed.

Additional restrictions include:

• No smoking while traveling on unimproved roads, such as gravel or dirt roads and natural landscapes.

• Chainsaw use is banned between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. Outside of those hours, use is permitted only if proper firefighting equipment is present and operators observe a one-hour fire watch afterward.

• Fireworks are entirely banned in restricted areas.

• Motorized vehicles, including ATVs, are not allowed on unimproved roads. An exception is made for landowners using vehicles on their own property for activities related to their livelihood.

• The use of power or gas mowers and similar equipment is also restricted from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., with an exemption for commercial agricultural operations.

Officials emphasized the importance of compliance, noting that even a single spark in dry vegetation can result in devastating consequences.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to review the full list of regulations and consult the official map to determine which areas fall under the restrictions. Both are available through the Deschutes County website.

Community Cooperation Critical

Local fire officials and emergency managers are counting on public cooperation to reduce the risk of wildfires. In past years, similar restrictions have played a key role in preventing potentially catastrophic fires in the region.

“These steps are not just precautionary — they’re proven to work,” said Moriarty. “Everyone has a role to play in keeping our forests, homes, and communities safe.”

For more information, including the full set of fire restrictions and interactive maps, visit the Deschutes County website.