Backyard Burning Ban Takes Effect Next Week in Three Oregon Counties

The restrictions will extend through October 15 or later, depending on fire danger.

A ban on all open and backyard burning will go into effect on June 16 in Linn, Benton and Marion counties. Photo Courtesy: Washington State Department of Forestry

(SALEM, Ore. ) - A ban on all open and backyard burning will go into effect on June 16 in Linn, Benton and Marion counties.

The Oregon Department of Forestry and the fire defense boards of the three counties announced the ban, which aims to reduce the incidence of open debris burns escaping control.

The restrictions will extend through October 15 or later, depending on fire danger.

"Not only countywide, but statewide the fire danger is more significant, and we need to take precautionary steps to make sure fires don't get out of control. This is one of them," said John Bradner, Linn County Fire Defense Board Chief.

The open burning restrictions coincide with the current air-quality rules set forth by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. Those rules already forbid open burning within three miles of cities over 1,000 in population and six miles from cities over 50,000 in population after June 15.

These burn restrictions expand the geographical scope to include areas outside the three and six mile limits.

Benton County Fire Defense Board Chief Rick Smith asked residents to think about other ways to dispose of their backyard debris.

"We encourage you to consider alternatives to burning such as the Community Wildfire Protection Plan chipping program, debris recycling, and Pacific Region Compost."

The fire defense board chiefs encouraged residents to increase their awareness of wildfires and take steps to help protect their property.

The work that a homeowner does now to establish a defensible space around his/her property can make the difference between a home or structure burning or surviving intact.

Rural fire agencies and the Oregon Department of Forestry have the authority to enforce and regulate the burn ban. Under Oregon Revised Statute Chapter 477, the department may issue citations for violation of the burning restrictions.

For more information on the open burning restrictions as well as advice on safe debris disposal, contact the nearest Department of Forestry office or the local fire department.

Source: Oregon Department of Forestry

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