Wasco County Sheriff's Office

05/28/2026

05/14/2026

News Release
Oregon/Washington Prineville District
Media Contact: Suzannah Burke (541) 675- 5094
May 11, 2026

Annual campfire restrictions to start on BLM rivers in Central Oregon

Prineville, Ore. — Annual campfire restrictions will go into effect May 13 on certain BLM land in Central Oregon. Campfires will be prohibited along portions of the Crooked, Deschutes, John Day and White Rivers, as well as on BLM-administered lands along Lake Billy Chinook and Lake Simtustus.

“Protecting the safety of the public and employees is always our top priority. Central Oregon is a popular place for outdoor recreation, especially around rivers and waterways in the summer. Campfire restrictions are being implemented earlier than in previous years in response to current seasonal conditions,” said Kyle Hensley, acting district manager for the Prineville District.
The river fire closures prohibit campfires, charcoal fires, or any other type of open flame. This includes a ban on the use of portable propane campfires and wood pellet burning devices. Commercially manufactured lanterns and metal camp stoves used for cooking are allowed, when fueled with bottled propane or liquid fuel and operated in a responsible manner. Under the restrictions, smoking is not allowed except inside vehicles or on the water.
Restrictions will remain in effect until October 15, 2026. A violation of this closure is punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment of not more than 12 months, or both.
For details on campfire closures and specific locations on BLM lands, please refer to the river closure order. You can also call the Prineville BLM District Office at (541) 416-6700 or visit Fire Restrictions - Oregon- Washington Bureau of Land Management for more information about these closures and other fire restrictions in Central Oregon.
Additional information about public use restrictions on the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and the BLM Prineville District fire activity in Central Oregon is available online at: https://centraloregonfire.org/.
The BLM is working with the newly established U.S. Wildland Fire Service to coordinate, monitor, and communicate these restrictions in partnership with other federal wildland firefighting agencies within the Central Oregon Fire Management Service (COFMS). Visitors and locals may notice multiple agency logos posted and interagency COFMS prevention patrols by federal wildland fire apparatus throughout Central Oregon, reflecting a unified effort to enforce multiple closure orders. The BLM asks all visitors to follow these restrictions to help prevent wildfires to protect communities, infrastructure, natural resources and public lands enjoyed by thousands of people each year.

-BLM-
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

05/14/2026

REGULATED FIRE CLOSURE PRINEVILLE DISTRICT
Bureau of Land Management

Order Number: 003-2026

FIRE CLOSURE
CROOKED, DESCHUTES, JOHN DAY, AND WHITE RIVERS, AS WELL AS LAKE BILLY CHINOOK & LAKE SIMTUSTUS

Pursuant to 43 CFR 8351.2-1 or 43 CFR 9212.2 (a) and beginning at 12:01 a.m., May 13th, 2026, and continuing until October 15th, 2026, the following are prohibited on Bureau of Land Management managed public lands described below:

Prohibited Acts:
1. Building, igniting, maintaining, using, and/or actively attending within 20’, a campfire, charcoal fire, or any other type of open flame. This includes portable propane campfires and wood pellet burning devices.
a. Exception: You may use commercially manufactured metal camp stoves used for cooking and shielded lanterns, when fueled with bottled propane or liquid fuel and operated in a responsible manner.

2. Smoking, except while in non-public buildings, closed vehicles, in boats on the water, or while standing in the water.

Descriptions of Public Lands included in this closure:

Crooked River
Within ½ mile of the river's edge from the Bowman Dam to Lake Billy Chinook, excluding campfire rings established by the BLM at the following posted, developed, and designated campgrounds: Castle Rock, Still Water, Lone Pine, Palisades, Chimney Rock, Cobble Rock, Post Pile, and Poison Butte.

Deschutes River
Within ½ mile of the river's edge from the Highway 20 bridge to the Columbia River, including Lake Billy Chinook and Lake Simtustus.
Lake Billy Chinook & Lake Simtustus
Within ½ mile of Lake Billy Chinook’s edge, including BLM Beach dispersed recreation site located approximately ½ mile east of the Three Rivers Recreation Area on the south shore of the Metolius River arm of the lake.
Within ½ mile of Lake Simtustus’s edge.


Lower White River
Within ½ mile of the river's edge from its confluence with the Deschutes River upstream to the eastern boundary of the Mount Hood National Forest.

John Day River
Within ¼ mile of the river's edge in the following locations:
o The Mainstem John Day River from Tumwater Falls (River Mile 10) upstream to Kimberly (River Mile 185).
o The North Fork John Day River, from the confluence with the mainstem at Kimberly (River Mile 0) upstream to the Umatilla National Forest boundary (River Mile 62).
o The South Fork John Day River from Smokey Creek (River Mile 6) upstream to the Malheur National Forest boundary (River Mile 47).

Except in emergency conditions or with permission from an agency authorized officer, there are no exceptions to this closure. Anyone who is found guilty of violating a fire prevention order may be subject to prosecution under any applicable law or BLM regulation. A violation of this order may be classified as a Class A Misdemeanor Offense under 43 USC 1733(a) Federal Land Policy and Management Act, 18 USC 3559, and 18 USC 3571 Sentence of Fine - Sentencing Reform Act, Oct. 12, 1984. If the violation does not result in death, anyone who violates this order may be fined not more than $100,000 and/or imprisoned for not more than 12 months or may be fined in accordance with the applicable provisions of 18 USC 3571. Restitution for total fire suppression and damage costs incurred will be borne by the responsible party.

Kyle E. Hensley
Acting District Manager
Prineville District, Bureau of Land Management

05/13/2026

05/13/2026

A Message from Sheriff Magill: Honoring Our Heroes
As we approach Memorial Day, my thoughts are filled with a profound sense of gratitude and reflection. While many look forward to the long weekend as a time for family and community, it is vital that we keep the true heart of this day at the forefront of our minds.
The freedoms we enjoy every day are not accidental—they are bought and paid for by the service and bravery of others.
This Memorial Day, I ask that we join together to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Their courage is the foundation upon which our community stands.
Beyond those we have lost, I am also deeply thankful for those currently serving in our active military and the dedicated individuals who will serve our great nation in the years to come. To all who have worn the uniform: Thank you. Your commitment ensures that the vision of our country remains a reality for the next generation.
Looking Toward 250 Years of Liberty
Our nation is also approaching a monumental milestone—America’s 250th Anniversary. Reflecting on this, one might wonder if our forefathers imagined the United States would endure for two and a half centuries. Personally, I believe they did. They possessed the extraordinary forethought to design a system where every individual is represented and every voice is heard.
However, that vision only lives on through the devotion of those who came before us and the brave souls who follow. Without their profound sacrifices, we simply would not be the country we are today.
____________________________________________________________________
In honor of this upcoming Memorial Day and our nation's 250th Anniversary, the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office is proud to unveil our newly wrapped patrol car.
This design serves as a rolling tribute to our history and a constant reminder of the core values we are sworn to defend: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.
As you enter these upcoming holidays, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on what our country stands for. Please, take the time to Thank a Veteran and Honor the Fallen.
With respect and gratitude,
Sheriff Magill

05/06/2026

Do you ever wonder why you get transferred or placed on hold when you call in to get a police report or other non-criminal issues? The odds are you are calling the wrong number.
If you are calling 541 296 2233 for The Dalles Police Department or 541 296 5454 for the Wasco County Sheriff Office then you are calling the 911 Dispatch Center. You need to call the actual Law Enforcement agency for that information. To contact The Dalles Police Department office please call 541-296-2613, Wasco County Sheriff office 541-506-2580 (closed from 12:00-1:00)

05/05/2026

ABOVE AND BEYOND AWARD–APRIL 2026
Leiah Dschaak

Demonstrates exceptional teamwork:

*Leiah is an exceptional colleague and partner, consistently demonstrating an outstanding work ethic and a positive attitude. *She is known for her willingness to work hard without complaint
*Leiah created a new logo for our Dispatch center
*Leiah has demonstrated significant growth and progress in the just over a year she has been with us.
*She is excellent at multitasking and consistently completes assigned side tasks efficiently.
*Was nominated by a fellow dispatcher for this award
*When given a task she will work on it diligently until it is completed.
*She is also very helpful finding solutions to issues when they arise and recently was the one that solved the one note resource computer issue.
*Leiah continues to look towards the future and one day wants to become a trainer.

Leiah, be proud of the work you do, the person you are, and the difference you make!

Thank you for your service. You are appreciated
Wasco County Communications
Wasco County Sheriffs Office

05/02/2026

There is nothing quite like a scenic drive on a county road on a sunny day…
…just not at 90 MPH.
Stay safe, friends!

04/30/2026

Amy received the above and beyond award today. She
was promoted to "Training Lead" recently and has consistently demonstrated an outstanding work ethic. She accepts every task with enthusiasm and seeks clarification when necessary. Amy deserves recognition for her diligent work in scheduling our new hires with Field Training Officers (FTOs). Despite the challenges presented by FTO schedules, including coordinating around vacations and shift rotations, she successfully managed the complex logistics. Amy is becoming more proficient in managing our training program, successfully introducing new topics and concepts as well as making sure everything is up to date.

Over the last couple of months Amy has been an advocate in support of all of the new systems that are coming to the center. Because of this she was chosen to be part of the training team for the new CAD system. This positive attitude is very welcome and appreciated.

A truly great dispatcher is hard to find, difficult to part with and impossible to forget.
Be proud of the work you do, the person you are and the difference you make!
Thank you for your service. You are appreciated.

04/29/2026

The smoke you see today is from an agricultural burn South of The Dalles near Highway 197. This burn is visible from the Dalles and surrounding communities.

This is known to be agricultural related and is not an emergency. Please refrain from calling 911 for this so the lines are clear for emergency calls. Thank you