How to be secure and have enjoyable in Jefferson County on July 4

How to be secure and have enjoyable in Jefferson County on July 4

Published 5:27 pm Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Jefferson County Fire & EMS is urging county residents to remain secure because the Fourth of July approaches.

“As we approach the Fourth of July holiday, we encourage everyone to take proactive steps to protect their homes and property by creating and maintaining defensible space,” LeeAnn Bowman, the district’s administrative assistant, mentioned in an announcement.

Last 12 months, the county was among the many high 50 counties nationwide to be impacted by wildfires.

With restricted snowfall this 12 months and a drought declaration in impact already, there’s an excessive hearth hazard within the native space proper now, in accordance with the Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center.

A burn ban was introduced in early May.

The district is encouraging individuals to clear hearth hazards similar to dry grass, weeds, pine needles, and some other flamable supplies from their properties.

This additionally consists of conserving lawns mowed and making certain entry to roads and driveways for emergency responders.

Fireworks ought to all the time be dealt with by adults and solely utilized in clear, open areas. A distance of 25 to 50 toes from individuals and buildings must be noticed.

Despite the chance, a fireworks ban isn’t in impact, and there are methods to make use of fireworks safely, in accordance with the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s website.

Keeping fireworks away from dry grass and brush, autos and buildings is necessary. Additionally, a water supply, similar to a hose and a bucket of water or a hearth extinguisher, must be saved close by.

After utilizing a firework, ensure that the gadget is totally soaked in water earlier than throwing it away. If a firework doesn’t work after being lit, don’t attempt to relight it, and soak it in water totally earlier than throwing it away.

“Taking these simple precautions can greatly reduce the risk of a wildfire threatening your home and help keep our community safe,” Bowman mentioned.

Other fire-free alternate options may very well be glow sticks, noise makers, outside motion pictures, foolish string, throwing a USA birthday celebration full with cake and patriotic crafts.

Kasey Skaar, the interim hearth chief at Jefferson County Fire & EMS has urged individuals to be good in terms of the chance of fireside, and to name early when a hearth begins.

For up-to-date data on hearth security and present circumstances, Skaar has mentioned the Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center, Central Oregon Fire Info web site, and Living With Fire web site are good assets.

Independence Day celebrations

July 3

The Crooked River Ranch Barn Dance may have an hour of social time earlier than the reside band begins at 7 p.m. at Mac Park, 5195 Clubhouse Rd. The Central Oregon Barbecue Company can be offering meals for the occasion and Black Goat Winery may have alcoholic drinks out there.

July 4

Fourth of July festivities start with the thirtieth Annual Todd Beamer Memorial Run at 8:30 a.m. in Sahalee Park.

Crooked River Ranch will maintain a Vendor and Craft Fair, which is able to run from 9 a.m. to three p.m. on July 4 with a brand new ‘Kids Zone’ at Mac Park.

The Crooked River Ranch Canyon Quilters’ Show can be held on the Ranch Chapel Family Center, 5060 Clubhouse Rd., from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The “250 Years of the Red, White and Blue” parade can be led by the native Ladies of Harley beginning at 10 a.m. The parade will start on the Trading Post and journey by the Canyon Village space and the RV park.

Madras may have a Fourth of July parade beginning at 10 a.m. on tenth Street on the block between D and E streets, going up tenth Street and turning left onto B Street, turning onto Seventh Street, and ending on the Jefferson County Library.

The Lions Pride Barbecue is a three-hour occasion on the Mac Park pavilion with kid-friendly cubicles and plenty of native artisans to get pleasure from, beginning at 11 a.m.

Crooked River Ranch Fire and Rescue encourages individuals to “Bring Your Fireworks” to the parking zone throughout the Ranch Chapel for a secure, authorized and collaborative fireworks present with assist from the firefighters. This occasion will run from 7 to 10 p.m.

Madras Sparklers, organized by Mike Ahern, has put collectively a 30-minute fireworks show beginning at 10 p.m. at Madras High School, 390 Tenth St. The present has been an annual custom since 1981, and is funded by group donations.