OR State Marine Board release - The Oregon State Marine Board, on behalf of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, is temporarily restricting recreational boating to all or portions of Lake Billy Chinook from July 31 through August 6, 2026, during periods when firefighting operations require the area to be cleared. This temporary closure aims to support aerial scooper planes for firefighting operations and to protect boaters’ safety.  Currently, several wildfires are affecting communities throughout Central Oregon. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and partner agencies have been present on the water during aircraft operations to keep boaters clear up until now. However, due to limited visibility and the unpredictable locations for aircraft to dip or scoop water from the lake, officials aim to minimize safety risks to recreational users with this temporary closure and keep the wildfire from spreading to nearby communities.