PRINEVILLE, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has officially declared the start of fire season in the Central Oregon District, effective Monday, June 2, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. The district will begin the season under a “Moderate” fire danger level, with an Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) of I (one) in Hood River and Wasco counties.

Although fire managers were initially hopeful for a milder season due to an above-average snowpack earlier this year, that optimism has waned. A combination of limited spring rainfall, rising temperatures, and persistent winds has caused fine fuels—such as grass and brush—to dry out more quickly than expected, raising the potential for wildfires.

So far in 2025, the Central Oregon District has already seen 16 fires, according to ODF. Alarmingly, half of those fires were the result of escaped debris burns. The agency emphasized that debris burning remains the leading cause of human-caused wildfires in Oregon. In response, officials are urging residents to delay burning yard debris until fall, when wetter conditions return.

With the onset of fire season, a number of restrictions will take effect across the district. These include a ban on all debris burning—whether in piles or burn barrels—unless specifically permitted by a local forester. Additionally, the use of exploding targets, tracer ammunition, and any bullet with a pyrotechnic component is strictly prohibited. Smoking is also banned while traveling through or working in any operation area.

For industrial operations, the move to IFPL I means fire watches are now mandatory. Operators must maintain a watch for at least one hour during breaks and at the end of each workday. These precautions are aimed at quickly detecting and suppressing any accidental ignitions.

ODF officials are also reminding the public to check with local fire authorities for area-specific restrictions, as many counties in Central Oregon have already implemented bans on debris burning.

The department emphasized that following these regulations is critical to preventing wildfires, particularly as fire danger is expected to increase over the summer months.

For more information on fire restrictions and safety guidelines, visit the Oregon Department of Forestry’s website or contact your local ODF office.