ODF drops wildfire danger level to moderate across Central Oregon

CENTRAL OREGON, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Oregon Department of Forestry Central Oregon District will drop its wildfire danger level to moderate at 12:01 a.m. tomorrow. The agency also terminated regulated use closures across several of its operational units.

The updated restrictions affect state-protected lands in Harney, Grant, Gillam, Umatilla, Wheeler, Crook, Jefferson and Deschutes counties. The adjustments aim to ease public use rules while keeping key safety protocols active throughout the ongoing fire season.

The termination of regulated use closures applies to the John Day and Prineville units, as well as the Monument, Sisters and Fossil sub-units.

Debris burning remains strictly prohibited without a valid permit across all counties in the district. Residents with questions regarding local burn status are advised to contact their local fire department or Department of Forestry office.

The Oregon Department of Forestry urged residents to maintain vigilance and not grow complacent regarding prevention measures. “We are still in fire season, meaning that the risk of wildfire is still there,” the agency said. Additional fire restrictions and Industrial Fire Precaution Level regulations may still be applied depending on fire risks through the remainder of the season.