Fire season ends Friday in the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District; Fire risk drops to “low”

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District will officially reduce the fire threat to LOW and end the 2024 fire season at 12:01 a.m. Friday for areas under its protection and management. The end of fire season is a result of recent drenching rains and a general cooling trend that has returned to the area.

As fire season ends, public and industrial fire restrictions implemented in the Central Oregon District will no longer be in effect.

Even though fire season has ended, firefighters are advising residents not to rush the burning. Instead, cover the top two-thirds of the debris pile with a tarp or plastic. This keeps the pile dry and allows for a cleaner burn later in the fall/winter months when the risk of fire spreading is minimal. Several days of sunshine and dry weather during the fall months can pose a fire hazard, even if they are preceded by a week or more of cool, wet conditions.

Residents should contact their local fire department or ODF before conducting any type of debris burning as fire regulations may vary by local fire district. ODF offices are located in Sisters (541-549-2731), Prineville (541-447-5658), The Dalles (541-296-4626), Fossil (541-763-2575) and John Day (541-575- 1139).

When burning garden waste, ensure there is an adequate fire trail around the pile before lighting it, and have fire extinguishing equipment and a water supply available at the burn site. Debris piles should never be left unattended and should be completely cleared before leaving the area. If a debris fire escapes containment, the responsible party may be held financially liable for the resulting firefighting costs and associated damages.

Central Oregon District staff would like to thank the community for their cooperation and support during the 2024 fire season.