Fire season comes early for Grant County residents
By Logan Bagett on Wednesday, May 6th, 2026 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
JOHN DAY – Oregon Department of Forestry’s John Day and Monument Protection Unit Forester Dustin Gustaveson informed our newsroom this morning that ODF’s Central Oregon District will be declaring fire season at 00:01 on Friday, May 8th.
Gustaveson stated, “Due to the historic low snowpack and warm/dry conditions this spring, we are seeing fire activity increase and will be declaring fire season. Burn permits will be required as of Friday May 8th.”
Those under ODF’s protection fire umbrella can contact the John Day office for permit information at (541) 575-1139.
Grant County Fire Defense Board Chief Marvin Rynearson was on KJDY’s Coffee Time Wednesday morning and said for those under a municipal or rural fire protection agency, to contact that agency for more information on the permitting process.
Chief Rynearson stated this year’s declaration comes about three weeks earlier than it usually does.
Forester Gustaveson said an official press release declaring fire season to begin this Friday is on its way.
