News releases articles

Firefighters achieve 30% containment on 106-acre Juniper Creek Fire

August 21, 2023 | ,

SISTERS, Ore. – Firefighters on the Juniper Creek Fire pushed containment to 30% today. During today’s operations, crews successfully positioned hose lines around the fire’s perimeter to “plumb” the fire line. This water is crucial for building containment during mop-up operations. Mop-up operations consist of cooling the perimeter of the fire by extinguishing hotspots and removing unburnt materials to ensure the fire doesn’t reheat and cross the fire break. Mopup is especially crucial for fire around Juniper trees because the duff buildup under the trees can hold...

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Firefighters catch and line 105-acre Juiper Creek Fire northeast of Sisters

August 20, 2023 | ,

Sisters, Ore - Firefighters from the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Lake Chinook Fire & Rescue, contractors, and local partners have significantly slowed the Juniper Creek Fire through an aggressive initial attack. Firefighters were able to establish a control line completely around the fire and will continue firefighting operations into the night. Control line is the term used to describe dozer and hand line used create a fire break. Containment is still at 0%. The Juniper Creek Fire is...

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Central Oregon District prepares for lightning

August 4, 2023 | ,

Prineville, Ore. – With lightning events forecasted through the weekend, the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Central Oregon District is preparing for potential fire activity. In certain parts of the state, the lightning has already begun. In John Day, the local unit responded to four lightning fires that were reported between 4:30 pm and 6pm.  Aggressive initial attack and helpful rain showers caught all four fires at less than 0.1 of an acre. In preparation for the weekend, the district has adjusted schedules and strategically moved engines to make sure there...

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Additional fire precautions in place for Central Oregon District

July 20, 2023 | ,

Prineville, Ore. – Starting this Thursday (July 20) at 12:01 a.m., additional fire precaution orders will be applied to all lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Prineville and John Day Units. In addition, the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will change to III (three) for MH-4 in Hood River County (west of Hwy 35). MH-1 went to an IFPL III (three) on July 10th. The district’s fire danger level will also be moving up to “Extreme”. “With high temperatures forecasted, the district is issuing extra fire prevention restrictions to counteract...

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Effective July 10 MH-1 area in Industrial Fire Precaution Level 3

July 7, 2023 | ,

STATE OF OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY INDUSTRIAL FIRE PRECAUTION LEVEL 3 CLOSEDOWN ORDER Number 03 Effective 12:01 a.m., PDT, July 10th, 2023 By virtue of the authority vested in me by ORS 477.625, ORS 477.670, and OAR 629-043-0070, I hereby issue notice the following subject area is susceptible to damage by fire and proclaim Industrial Fire Precaution Level 3 to be in effect: All lands protected by the Central Oregon Protection District, in regulated use area MH-1 and all forestland within one-eighth mile thereof. Under Industrial Fire Precaution Level 3, the use...

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John Day Unit welcomes new unit forester

July 5, 2023 |

John Day, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) John Day Unit in Central Oregon is excited to announce Dustin Gustaveson as their new unit forester. Gustaveson has been with ODF for the past 29 years and started his career with the agency in the Northeast Oregon District where he was a service forester. Gustaveson’s career has placed him in several spots in ODF’s Eastern Oregon Area like the Central Oregon District (2003-2009) and the Klamath-Lake District (2009-2023). Gustaveson also serves on a Type 1 Incident Management Team as an Air Tactical Group...

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Reports of fireworks during high fire danger

July 1, 2023 | ,

Sisters, Ore. - The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Central Oregon District has received reports of people setting off fireworks while the district is in high fire danger and in a red flag warning. There has been one confirmed fire caused by a firework as of today, July 1, that ODF firefighters responded to. During “High” fire danger level, fireworks are prohibited on all ODF-protected land in the Central Oregon District. With high temperatures and dry conditions, even a small ember could start a wildfire. The department would like to remind the public to be...

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Central Oregon District enters high fire danger Level July 1

June 29, 2023 | ,

Prineville, Ore. – Starting this Saturday (July 1) at 12:01 a.m. on all lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Central Oregon District, the district’s fire danger level will be “High,” and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will be II (two) in MH-4 and MH-1 (Hood River and Wasco counties). With high temperatures forecasted, the district is issuing public restrictions and regulated use closures in anticipation for the long holiday weekend to reduce the risk of human-caused fires. With that in mind, the Central Oregon District restricts...

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Debris Burning Closing to Reduce Risks of Wildfire

June 8, 2023 | , ,

The Dalles, Ore. – Debris burning is the leading cause of wildfires across Oregon, already accounting for over 50 percent of the fires this year in the Central Oregon District. Escaped debris burns damage natural resources, threaten homes and communities, and can turn into a large wildfire. The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and all the fire districts in Hood River and Wasco County, will be implementing a coordinated burn ban effective 12:01 am on June 11, 2023. This ban includes open burning such as yard debris and burn barrels with the intent to prevent...

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Central Oregon District fire season begins June 9, 2023

June 8, 2023 |

Prineville, Ore. – Fire season on all lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Central Oregon District will begin June 9, 2023, at 12:01 a.m. Starting this Friday, the district’s fire danger level will be “Moderate”, and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will be I (one) in MH-4 and MH-1 (Hood River and Wasco counties). Earlier this year, fire managers were optimistic regarding this year’s fire season due to the higher-than-normal snowpack. However, due to the decline in spring rain, rise in temperatures, and windy conditions, the fine...

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Annual Report 2022

May 4, 2023 |

The 2022 Central Oregon District Annual Report was presented at the district budget meeting on May 2. "It is my pleasure to present to you the 2022 Central Oregon District Annual Report. As the District Forester, I have been blessed to work with an extremely dedicated and talented group of individuals who go above and beyond to accomplish the mission in serving the landowners across Central Oregon. Below you will find a brief overview of the accomplishments from this past year. A special thanks goes out to the John Day Unit staff for assembling and publishing this...

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Public hearing on proposed budget for Central Oregon District – May 2, 2023

April 14, 2023 |

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Pursuant to ORS 477.250, notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held to receive from any interested persons suggestions, advice, objections or remonstrances to the proposed budget for the Central Oregon Forest Protection District. A hearing will be held on Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023, at 1:00 P.M., at the Oregon Department of Forestry – District Office, 3501 NE 3rd Street, Prineville, OR. Copies of the tentative budget may be inspected during normal working hours. Those persons wishing to participate virtually may do so at the...

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Rain and Cooler Temperatures Brings End to Fire Season for ODF’s Central Oregon District

October 24, 2022 | ,

[Prineville, Ore.] Fire Season for lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Central Oregon District will terminate at 12:00 p.m., Monday October 24, 2022. This includes lands protected under the John Day Unit, including the Fossil Sub-Unit; the Prineville Unit, including the Sisters Sub-Unit; and The Dalles Unit. Recent rain, combined with cooler fall weather has improved fuel conditions and moderated fire behavior. Changing fall conditions such as dry periods and variable winds can still create circumstances where fire danger is increased, and the...

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John Day Unit Terminates Regulated-Use Closure; Fire Season Remains in Effect for Central Oregon District

October 13, 2022 | ,

Prineville, Ore. - Oregon Department of Forestry’s John Day Unit will terminate Regulated-Use Closure at 12:01 a.m., Friday, October 14, 2022. These wildfire prevention measures were terminated for The Dalles and Prineville units on October 7th. Fire Season remains in effect across the Central Oregon District. “We caution the public to be mindful of activities which could start a fire as we continue to see unseasonably warm, dry weather this fall,” says Brian Reel, Stewardship Forester for The Dalles Unit. “While fire danger has lessened with cooler nights and...

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Regulated-Use Closure Terminated for ODF’s Central Oregon District for the Prineville and The Dalles Units

October 5, 2022 | ,

[Prineville, Ore.]  Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Central Oregon District’s Prineville and The Dalles units will terminate Regulated-Use Closure at 12:01 a.m. on October 7, 2022. The John Day unit will stay in Regulated-Use Closure.  Fire Season remains in effect.  Burning of slash piles or other debris from forest operations is not permitted at this time.  Recent precipitation, cooler temperatures, and increased humidity has significantly reduced fire behavior and ignition potential from sparks and other heat sources, however, the public...

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ODF lifts additional restrictions for industrial operations

September 16, 2022 | ,

[Prineville, Ore.] As of 12:01 a.m., Friday, September 16,2022, Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District will terminate the additional restrictions fire precaution order for industrial operations within the John Day and Prineville Units.  All other Fire Season restrictions remain in effect for industrial operations.  More information for these restrictions is available at www.oregon.gov/odf. These guidelines are intended to reduce the risk of fire ignition, quickly detect fires, and allow for a swift suppression response. In conjunction with the...

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Fire Danger Remains, Despite Cooler Fall Weather Across ODF’s Central Oregon District

September 14, 2022 | ,

[Prineville, Ore.] Recent cool weather across Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District is not an indication that fire season is over. These cooler temperatures and improved humidity recovery will moderate fire behavior, but significant rain is needed to lessen wildfire risk and lift prevention restrictions or end fire season.  The risk of rapid fire spread in all fuel types remains despite the transition to seasonable fall weather.  Hot, dry conditions this summer fully cured dead and down fuels, and live vegetation had limited moisture, resulting in...

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Lightning Starts Numerous Fires on ODF Protection in Central Oregon District

August 10, 2022 | ,

[Prineville, Ore.] Thunderstorms swept through the Central Oregon District Tuesday, igniting fifteen fires on Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) protection with the largest fire being ¼ acre.  Significant rainfall accompanied these storms helping to reduce fire behavior.  Additional fire detections from these storms are anticipated as vegetation and fuels dry with warmer, seasonable temperatures and increasing winds.  These holdover fires can creep around smoldering in wet fuels and vegetation for days or weeks until conditions are right for them to...

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Forestry department announces community information sessions about the statewide wildfire risk map

July 21, 2022 | , ,

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is holding a series of community information sessions starting July 26 and 27 in southwest Oregon. Each session will include a presentation about the map’s function and purpose, how wildfire risk is assessed, and how property owners may appeal their assigned risk class. Time will be available to address questions from community members. The wildland-urban interface (WUI) and statewide wildfire risk map available through the Oregon Explorer is a tool to help inform decision making and planning related to mitigating wildfire risk...

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Fire Season Declared for ODF’s Central Oregon District:  Additional Wildfire Prevention Restrictions to be Implemented

June 23, 2022 | , ,

  Fire Season Declared for ODF’s Central Oregon District: Additional Wildfire Prevention Restrictions to be Implemented [Prineville, Ore.] The Dalles and John Day units of Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Central Oregon District will enter fire season at 12:01 a.m., June 27, 2022.  This declaration includes private and non-federal public lands in Hood River, Wasco, Grant, Wheeler, Gilliam, Harney, and Morrow counties protected by ODF; the Prineville-Sisters Unit (Crook, Jefferson, and Deschutes counties) declared fire season June 13, 2022. Activities prohibited...

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Debris Burning in Wasco and Hood River Counties Closing to Reduce Risks of Wildfire

June 10, 2022 | , ,

[The Dalles, Ore.] Debris burning is the leading cause of wildfires across Oregon, already accounting for seventy percent of the fires this year in the Central Oregon District.  These fires damage natural resources and threaten homes and communities.  Oregon Department of Forestry’s The Dalles Unit closed burning of forest slash in April and burning of debris piles in Wasco County closed on May 15 to help reduce the risk of uncontrolled fires.  Wasco County and fire districts within, will be implementing a county wide burn ban effective June 15, 2022.  This ban...

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Fire Season Declared for Oregon Department of Forestry’s Prineville-Sisters Unit

June 9, 2022 | , ,

[Prineville, Ore.] The Prineville-Sisters Unit of Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Central Oregon District will enter fire season at 12:01 a.m., June 13, 2022. Lands protected by ODF in Jefferson, Crook, and Deschutes counties are affected by this declaration, this includes private and non-federal public lands.  ODF protected lands in The Dalles and John Day units are not included at this time. “We are monitoring conditions closely across the other units of the Central Oregon District so we can implement Fire Season and other restrictions to prevent wildfires...

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Public Reminded to Follow Debris Burning Restrictions to Reduce Wildfires

June 2, 2022 | , ,

[Prineville, Ore.] Two wildfires reported Wednesday within Oregon Department of Forestry’s Prineville-Sisters Unit were related to uncontrolled debris burns. Burning of debris and other vegetation on lands protected by ODF require a permit and debris burning in Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson counties closed on May 31st for lands within many local fire districts.  Despite recent rain, fuels and vegetation in central Oregon continue to see the effects of long-term drought.  Warm temperatures and wind can quickly dry fine fuels, allowing them to readily catch fire. ...

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Landowner Assistance Available for Fuel Reduction and Defensible Space Projects in the John Day Unit

May 27, 2022 | ,

 John Day, Ore. — Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District is providing rebate funds available for landowners to complete fuel reduction projects around their homes. The intent of the projects is to reduce the potential of wildfire spreading to structures and to improve ingress/egress routes in the wildland-urban interface. These programs are specifically for residents and small forestland owners in Grant County South of Highway 26 to USFS and BLM bordering lands between Laycock Creek and Pine Creek communities, and for Morrow/Wheeler County...

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