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Ochoco National Forest

Red Flag Warning issued July 20 at 7:49PM PDT until July 22 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR

7:49 PM — July 21st, 3:00 PM

...The upper level low over the region will shift to the east just enough to allow for monsoonal moisture to move into the region. Instability will accompany the moisture and allow for increased chances of thunderstorms across central Oregon and the eastern mountains. Isolated dry thunderstorms could spark new wildfires and gusty outflow winds can affect fires already on the landscape... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 698 Southern Blue Mountains, 700 Central Mountains of Oregon and 705 Southern Deschutes National Forest. * TIMING...From 11 AM to 11 PM PDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. * THUNDERSTORMS...Isolated to scattered dry thunderstorms after 11 AM Wednesday. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Gusts from 25-35 mph

Air Quality Alert issued July 20 at 7:40PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR

7:40 PM — July 23rd, 9:00 AM

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until 4 PM PDT Wednesday. For the Smoke Air Quality Advisory, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ

Air Quality Alert issued July 20 at 6:03PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR

6:03 PM — July 22nd, 9:00 AM

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until 4 PM PDT Wednesday. For the Smoke Air Quality Advisory, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ

Overview

Ochoco National Forest encompasses 850,000 acres of Central Oregon terrain, located north and east of Prineville. The forest is currently open with Stage 1 fire restrictions in effect as of June 16, 2025. Winter range closures are active December 1 through May 1 to protect deer and elk, prohibiting motorized vehicles in designated areas. Recent activity includes the Marks Creek Fire (September 2025) which triggered area closures on the Lookout Mountain Ranger District, though this closure was set to expire October 1, 2025. The forest is actively conducting prescribed burns and fuels treatments in spring and fall for forest health and wildfire prevention. Popular activities include camping, hiking (notably Steins Pillar Trail), rockhounding, fishing, and exploring unique geological formations in the rimrock and canyon country. The forest shares administrative management with Crooked River National Grassland, together totaling about 1 million acres of public land.

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