Marion, Linn County Backyard Burning Ban to be Extended

The open burning ban that goes into effect Oct. 1st encompasses the following communities in Linn and Marion counties: Detroit, Gates, Lyons, Mill City, Stayton, Scio, Sublimity, Silverton and Drake's Crossing.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM) - The current ban on backyard debris burning in the North Cascade Forest Protection District instituted by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality to preserve air quality will expire at 12:01 AM on Oct. 1st.

But the Oregon Department of Forestry announced Monday that it will continue the prohibition on open burning after that date due to wildfire danger.

Every year, the DEQ bans open burning during the summer months to prevent smoke-related health problems.

As the season draws to a close, area forests remain dry, and Department of Forestry regulated-use restrictions already in effect that prohibit burning will continue after the DEQ ban is lifted on the first of the month.

"Even though we have had a little rain, it remains extra dry underneath the forest canopy," Department of Forestry spokesman Fred Patterson said. "Also, we're likely to have our usual dry east-wind events in the fall, so this is an important preventative measure."

Whenever enough precipitation occurs to lower fire danger substantially, Patterson said, the department will begin to allow open burning by permit.

Until then, homeowners desiring to burn yard waste or household debris in a pile or burn barrel must wait. The same goes for forest operators planning logging slash burns: Such prescribed fires must be put on hold until regulated-use restrictions are lifted.

The Department of Forestry's North Cascade District office will announce publicly through local news media when open burning may begin. When that occurs, homeowners must call the department prior to burning to obtain a permit.

The cooler days and increased night-time humidity have lowered wildfire danger slightly. But the lack of significant rainfall so far this month is keeping fire managers on edge.

"Grass and brush are still very dry," Patterson said.