County declares public‑use fire restrictions on unprotected lands and county property, effective June 1

The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners adopted Resolution 2025‑013 May 21, declaring a state of emergency and imposing public‑use fire restrictions on unprotected wildlands and county‑owned lands effective June 1.

County Forester Evan Moriarty presented the restriction set staff recommended as the wildfire season approaches. The order prohibits open fires — including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking and warming fires — except in designated areas. Portable cooking stoves using bottled fuels are permitted. Chainsaw use and cutting/grinding operations are restricted between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. unless users carry firefighting equipment (a shovel, a gallon of water, a fire extinguisher). The resolution also bans fireworks and restricts motor vehicle use off improved roads on unprotected lands.

Moriarty said “unprotected lands” are those outside structural fire protection districts and outside Oregon Department of Forestry protection. The restrictions are an annual routine the county imposes as weather warms; staff said they mirror prior years’ practices. Commissioners noted county employees visiting county lands also must carry minimum firefighting gear and reminded residents of ongoing “Fire Free” outreach in rural communities.

The resolution passed unanimously; staff will implement signage and public notice and coordinate with fire protection districts and the Oregon Department of Forestry.