The Washington County Fire Defense Board, in cooperation with the Oregon Department of Forestry, has enacted a burn ban in Washington County, effective tomorrow, June 20th, 2015 at 12:01 am.

Following that decision, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue will ban all outdoor open burning in its jurisdiction, including areas served by TVF&R in Multnomah and Clackamas Counties, effective at the same time.

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

The Burn Ban does not include:
1. Small backyard fire pits (maximum 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high).
2. Outdoor fireplaces and portable fireplaces (chimneys, etc.).
3. Oregon legal fireworks, and permitted fireworks displays.

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 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.