ODF Central Oregon District ends fire season Nov. 4; local burn rules still apply

ODF Central Oregon District ends fire season Nov. 4; local burn rules still apply

CENTRAL OREGON (KTVZ) -- The Oregon Department of Forestry Central Oregon District will officially end fire season for all protected forestlands effective 12:01 a.m. tomorrow, Nov. 4.

The Central Oregon District protects more than 2.1 million acres of private, state, county, municipal and tribal lands. The service area spans Hood River, Wasco, Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook, Lake, Gilliam, Wheeler, Umatilla, Grant and Harney counties.

With the official end of fire season, landowners under state protection may resume burning residential yard debris and operating burn barrels, provided they follow local regulations and burn safely.

Between July 15 and July 24, lightning across the district sparked more than 140 fires across all land ownerships. Initial attack crews contained dozens of small fires while responding to larger blazes, including the Akawa Butte Fire and the Rowe Creek Complex.

Specific units within the district controlled several major blazes during the season. The Dalles Unit, working with local landowners, stopped the Upper 8 Mile Fire at 500 acres within the first burn period. Later in the s...