The Washington County Fire Defense Board, in cooperation with the Oregon Department of Forestry, has enacted a burn ban within Washington County effective today.

Following that decision Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue will ban all outdoor open burning within its jurisdiction, including areas served by TVF&R in Multnomah and Clackamas Counties, effective today, July 14, 2014.

The Burn Ban includes the following situations:
1. Backyard burning (yard debris, etc.)
2. Agricultural burning
3. Land clearing or slash burning

The Burn Ban does not include small recreational fires as follows:
1. Small backyard fire pits (maximum 3-foot diameter and 2-feet in height).
2. Outdoor fireplaces and portable fireplaces (Chimineas, etc.)

Individuals intending to burn in this manner should use extreme caution, and all combustible vegetation and materials should be cleared from the area. Additionally, all recreational fires must be constantly attended until the fire is fully extinguished.

If conditions worsen, TVF&R may ban recreational fires as well.

Individuals found to be in violation of these requirements during the burn ban may be held liable for the cost of extinguishment and for any property damage resulting from an illegal fire.

The burn ban will remain in effect until weather conditions minimize the fire danger.

TVF&R urges residents to use extreme caution with smoking materials, barbecues, and other open flames. Visit our website at www.tvfr.com for more tips, including how to protect a home located in a wildland urban interface, from a potential wildfire.

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