Oregon Department of Forestry Central Oregon District

11/13/2025

Great news – there’s still time to apply for the Small Forestland Grant Program!
Key dates:

Nov. 17 from 10-11 a.m. – Webinar discussing application tips and hosting a question-and-answer session. Find the meeting link here: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/Pages/small-forestland-grant-program.aspx

Nov. 24 – Deadline to apply

Video and resources explaining the current funding period and the program generally are available here – https://www.oregon.gov/odf/Pages/small-forestland-grant-program.aspx
This grant program supports small forestland owners’ efforts to reduce wildfire risk and create resilient landscapes.

Quick overview: since the program launched under SB-762 funding, ODF’s Small Forestland Grant Program (SFGP) has competitively funded projects across Oregon that reduce hazardous fuels, improve forest resilience, protect infrastructure and waters, support landowners, and reduce wildfire risks. The 2023–25 round alone awarded roughly $2.5 million to about a dozen projects treating about 1,300 acres. The funds were distributed through and most of the work was done by local partners.

Here are a couple of examples:

High Desert Museum – Where Education Meets Fire Resilience
Using SFGP support, the High Desert Museum developed a wildfire management plan, thinned and limbed forested areas, and treated cheatgrass. Now, visitors learn firsthand how science-based management protects forests.

Impact: 235 acres treated and a living demonstration of forest stewardship.


Prineville-Sisters Chipping Program – Helping Homeowners Defend Their Homes
This innovative roadside chipping initiative offered cost-sharing for fuels removal across 300 acres and about 200 homes. Landowners received direct help disposing of debris and building defensible space.

Impact: Empowered homeowners and safer communities.

11/04/2025

10/16/2025

Effective 12:01 a.m. on October 17, 2025, the Central Oregon District of the Oregon Department of Forestry will officially end fire season for all forestlands protected by the district. This includes over 2.3 million acres of private, state, county, municipal, and tribal lands, which includes Hood River, Wasco, Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook, Gilliam, Wheeler, Morrow, Grant, and Harney counties. Read more at https://odfcentraloregon.com/2025/10/16/fire-season-ends-for-odf-central-oregon-district-friday/

09/26/2025

Effective Monday September 29, 2025, at 12:01am, Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District (COD) —The Dalles Unit will reduce Fire Danger to MODERATE with Regulated Use Closure being terminated.

Additionally, the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) on non-federal lands will be reduced to level 1 in MH-1 and in MH-4 (Hood River and Wasco County).

The Oregon Department of Forestry urges residents not to become complacent in wildfire prevention. Though there had been recent widespread rain across the state, firefighters continue to respond to new lightning and human-caused fire starts. For tips on wildfire prevention, visit www.keeporegongreen.org

Additional fire restrictions or regulations may apply depending on the various fire risks through the end of fire season. For more information on IFPL restrictions and public use restrictions locally and statewide, visit www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions

09/16/2025

Effective September 17, 2025, at 12:01am, the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District (COD) will be updating fire season restrictions. The fire danger level for the John Day and Prineville/Sisters Units will be reduced to MODERATE with Regulated Use Closure being lifted on these two units, which is a result of the recent rainfall.

Additionally, the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will be reduced to level 2 in MH-1 and in MH-4 (Hood River and Wasco County). The Dalles Unit will remain in HIGH fire danger and Regulated Use Closure will remain in effect across Hood River and Wasco counties within the Oregon Department of Forestry District protection boundary. Read more at https://odfcentraloregon.com/2025/09/16/odf-central-oregon-district-updates-fire-regulations/

09/04/2025

ODF CIMT 2 takes command of the Marks Creek Fire today at 6 p.m.

Today, the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT) 2 was deployed to the Marks Creek Fire located 21 miles northeast of Prineville. This fire is burning on the Ochoco National Forest and is impacting ODF-protected lands.

The Marks Creek Fire was reported yesterday and is currently estimated to be 2,000 acres. Crook County Sheriff’s Office has issued Level 3 (Go Now) and Level 2 (Be Set) evacuations. For more evacuation information, follow the Crook County Sheriff’s Office page. Read more at https://odffire.com/2025/09/03/odf-complex-incident-management-team-deployed-to-the-marks-creek-fire/

09/01/2025

As containment on the Flat Fire reaches 52%, structural resources from the Oregon State Fire Marshal have demobilized. ODF Complex Incident Management Team 3 remains on the fire as wildland resources continue mop-up and are available to assist local resources if needed.
Thank you to our partners at OSFM. The cooperative firefighting efforts from structural, wildland, and air resources protected homes through extreme fire activity and critical weather conditions.

08/27/2025

08/26/2025

For more information, follow the Flat Fire page.

08/25/2025

🚨 Flat Fire Update – August 25 🚨

Sheriff Ty Rupert is asking for the community’s help by avoiding road closure areas as the Flat Fire enters another day of firefighting efforts. Staying clear of these zones reduces risk to the public and fire crews and allows firefighters to focus on critical fire operations.

Key Updates:

✅ No new evacuation orders since Saturday evening. Existing evacuation orders remain in place.
✅ 21,971 acres / 5% containment.
✅ Crews are strengthening fire lines & holding growth from moving south toward Sisters/Hwy 126.
✅ Structures: 4 homes lost, 1 home damaged; 6 other structures lost, 1 damaged. Most 827 identified structures remain standing thanks to firefighters and defensible space.
✅ Community Meeting: 6:00 p.m. tonight at Sisters High School.

Resources:

✅ Maps & evacuations: https://deschutes.org/emergency
✅ Fire info: http://www.centraloregonfire.org
✅ Flat Fire Information: Follow the Flat Fire on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/FlatFire
✅ Register for Deschutes Alerts: http://www.deschutesalerts.org
✅ Flat Fire Assistance Line: (541) 550-4888 (8 a.m.–8 p.m.; voicemail after hours)
✅ Red Cross shelter: Highland Baptist Church, 3100 SW Highland Ave, Redmond (open 24/7)