Central Oregon Fire Chiefs Urge Early Debris Burning Closures

Dry conditions and low snowpack prompt earlier-than-usual restrictions on open burning

Apr. 15, 2026 at 7:12pm

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of grey, brown, and blue, depicting a dry, barren forest under a heavy, ominous sky. The scene conveys a sense of melancholy and the overwhelming power of nature, with any physical structures or objects dwarfed by the scale of the environment.As drought conditions worsen in Central Oregon, fire chiefs take proactive steps to restrict open burning and reduce the risk of accidental wildfires.Black Butte Ranch Today

The Central Oregon Fire Chiefs Association (COFCA) is closely monitoring drought conditions and the upcoming fire season, and has announced that open debris burning will be prohibited in most fire districts starting on April 30, 2026 - a month earlier than usual. The decision is due to abnormally dry conditions and low snowpack in the region, which have increased the risk of accidental fire starts.

Why it matters

Wildfires pose a major threat to communities in Central Oregon, and early action to restrict open burning can help prevent accidental ignitions during the driest parts of the year. The fire chiefs are taking a proactive approach to protect public safety and property by enacting these restrictions ahead of schedule.

The details

According to COFCA Chair Todd Riley, Fire Chief for Bend Fire & Rescue, the decision to close open debris burning was made due to the mild winter and low snowpack levels across Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson, and north Klamath Counties. Many areas are already experiencing severe drought conditions. The fire chiefs will continue to monitor conditions daily and may keep the burn bans in place until the fall season.

  • Open debris burning will be prohibited after midnight on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
  • This is a month earlier than previous years due to the increased fire risk.

The players

Todd Riley

Fire Chief for Bend Fire & Rescue and Chair of the Central Oregon Fire Chiefs Association.

Central Oregon Fire Chiefs Association (COFCA)

An organization representing fire chiefs from across Central Oregon that coordinates regional fire prevention and response efforts.

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What they’re saying

“We experienced a mild winter with low snowpack. Given the current and expected conditions, we need the public's help to prevent accidental fire starts.”

— Todd Riley, Fire Chief, Bend Fire & Rescue

What’s next

The Oregon Department of Forestry has introduced a new 'Before You Burn' website and app that provides real-time updates on weather, local agency guidance, and burn conditions based on a user's location. The fire chiefs are encouraging residents to utilize this tool before attempting any open burning.

The takeaway

The early closure of open debris burning in Central Oregon highlights the increasing threat of wildfires in the region due to drought and climate change. By taking proactive steps to restrict high-risk activities, the fire chiefs are working to protect their communities and prevent accidental ignitions during the driest parts of the year.