Change in weather conditions results in Burn Ban being lifted in TVF&R’s service area.

OPEN BURNING RULES

TVF&R responds to fires that are a threat to people and property. If a fire is threatening nearby structures, vegetation, or other combustible materials, call 9-1-1 immediately.

DEQ is responsible for establishing and enforcing the regulations pursuant to open burning and air quality. If you wish to report an illegal burn, smoke, or air quality issue, file an online complaint at http://www.deq.state.or.us/complaints/rep.htm or call DEQ at (888) 997-7888. Individuals found in violation of the regulations below can be fined between $1,000 and $2,500 (per event) by DEQ. Individuals may also liable for any property loss damage and suppression costs resulting from a burning incident.

Backyard Burning

• Backyard burning is not permitted inside the permanent DEQ Burn Ban boundary.  See the DEQ Burn Ban Boundary Map for details.  Backyard burning outside the DEQ Burn Ban area is permitted only during designated burn seasons and on DEQ approved burn days.  The designated burn seasons are: March 1 through June 15, and October 1 through December 15.
  
  
• Persons wishing to conduct open burning operations must call the open burning information line at (503) 629-8605 or check http://smkmgt.com/burn.php on the day they wish to burn, during the approved season. The burn line or web page will confirm whether or not it is a DEQ authorized burn day and the hours allowed for burning. If you are unsure whether your property is inside or outside the DEQ permanent burn ban zone, please check the DEQ Burn Ban Boundary Map or call our office at (503) 649-8577.
  
  
• Backyard burning includes yard debris, trimmings and clippings only.  Dimensional lumber, trash, or other non-yard debris items cannot be burned at any time.  Persons must ensure that the combustible material is dried to the extent practicable.  This includes covering the combustible material when practicable to protect the material from moisture including precipitation or dew, and loosely stacking the combustible material to eliminate dirt, rocks or other noncombustible material and to promote an adequate air supply to the burning pile.  Periodically restacking or feed the burning pile to ensure combustion is robust and completed efficiently. Source: OAR 340-264-0070
  
  
• Backyard burning is only allowed during daylight hours and within a specified distance from a structure. Source: OAR 340-264-0070.  Open burning shall not be conducted within 50 feet of any structure or other combustible material. Conditions, which could cause the fire to spread to within 50 feet of a structure, shall be eliminated prior to ignition.  Exception: clearance from structures and other combustible materials may be reduced as follows: Not less than 15 feet when burning is conducted in an approved burning appliance such as a burn barrel, or not less than 25 feet when the burn pile size is 1 cubic yard or less in diameter. Source 2010 Oregon Fire Code 307.
  
  

• If a fire starts to spread to other combustible materials or threatens structures, call 9-1-1 immediately.

See the DEQ Open Burning Website at: http://www.deq.state.or.us/aq/burning/openburning/openburn.asp

See DEQ Open Burning Fact Sheet at: http://www.deq.state.or.us/aq/factsheets/04-AQ-005-OpenBurnEng.pdf

If you need to report illegal burn, smoke, or air quality issues, please call DEQ at 1-888-997-7888.

Individuals in violation of the open burning regulations will be referred to DEQ for enforcement of open burning violations which can result in penalties of up to $10,000 per day of violation.  Persons may also liable for any property loss damage and suppression costs resulting from a burning incident.

For more information on TVF&R's burn policy, call (503) 649-8577.

Other types of Outdoor Burning

Agricultural Burning
As of January 1, 2004, TVF&R no longer issues individual written agricultural burning permits. To determine if you qualify as an agricultural operation or for definitions of burn types and a description of burnable materials, contact DEQ at (503) 229-5393 or the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) at (503) 986-4755. Agricultural Burning is generally exempt from Backyard Burning regulations and Burn Ban Boundaries. Source: OAR 340-264-0040

Commercial Open Burning
The burning of any commercial waste is prohibited within all parts of TVF&R. Source: OAR 340-264-0120 through 340-264-0140

Construction Open Burning
The burning of any construction waste is prohibited within all parts of TVF&R. Source: OAR 340-264-0120 through 340-264-0140

Demolition Open Burning
The burning of demolition materials is prohibited within all parts of TVF&R. Source: OAR 340-264-0120 through 340-264-0140

Industrial Open Burning
Industrial Open Burning is prohibited within all parts of TVF&R and includes processed waste produced as the direct result of any manufacturing or industrial process. Source: Source: OAR 340-264-0120 through 340-264-0140

Slash Burning
The burning of any slash materials is prohibited within all parts of TVF&R. Contact ODF at (503) 829-2216 for slash burning information. Source: (3-mile rule) OAR 340-264-0078

Recreational Fires
A recreational fire (also known as a camp fire, cooking fire, or warming fire) is a small, occasional fire which is no larger than three ft in diameter and two ft high, burning only dry, cut firewood. Recreational fires are allowed unless prohibited by City or County regulation, or during TVF&R High Fire Danger Burn Bans.

Bonfires, Ceremonial Fires & Other Special Fires
Bonfires (greater than 3ft x 2ft), ceremonial fires and other types of outdoor fires not listed above require special approval from TVF&R.  Ceremonial Fires” covers a variety of fire permit requests that TVF&R receives for special events. These are typically outdoor fires or “bon fires” used at events like weddings, celebrations, school rallies, etc.  For more information call (503) 649-8577.

Community Fire Danger (Seasonal) Burn Ban

When metrological conditions result in a high fire danger (typically summer months) a full Burn Ban will be announced by TVF&R in conjunction with regional Fire Defense Boards and / or Oregon Department of Forestry.

During a burn ban all unlawful outdoor fires are deemed a hazard to public safety and will result in a fire department response, extinguishment, and potential invoicing of cost recovery fees for suppression actions taken.