Central Oregon fire chiefs to close open debris burning season this Sunday; here’s what to know

KTVZ on May 29, 2025

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As wildfire season arrives and the danger rises, the Central Oregon Fire Chiefs Association announced Wednesday that it will close open debris burning starting Sunday evening for residential and private lands across the tri-county region in Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties.

Burning debris piles on many private lands will not be allowed after sunset on Sunday, June 1, as the area heads into the summer wildland fire season.

“It’s that time of the year when the region’s fire chiefs collectively agree to close burning for the season,” said COFCA Chair Todd Riley, Fire Chief for Bend Fire & Rescue.

Residents can still reduce their wildfire risk by creating defensible space on their property. Until the burn season opens again in the fall, options include chipping debris, taking it to a landfill or transfer site, or pile and cover it until fall.

All Central Oregon fire departments and rural fire districts will continue to monitor weather and fuel moisture conditions in their districts and may make modifications on a day-to-day basis. Please call your local burn information line for current conditions, additional information and regulations. Fire agencies anticipate the opening of burn season again in late fall.

Local burn information:

Alfalfa Fire District – 541-382-2333

Bend/Deschutes Rural District #2 – 541-322-6335

Black Butte Ranch – 541-595-2288

Cloverdale – 541-389-2345

Crook County Fire & Rescue – 541-447-BURN (2876)

Crooked River Ranch RFPD – 541-923-4633

Jefferson County Fire & EMS – 541-475-1789

La Pine Fire Department – 541-536-9056

Lake Chinook Fire & Rescue  – 541-410-5077

Redmond Fire & Rescue – 541-504-5035

Sisters-Camp Sherman – 541-549-2333