The regulations below are to assist you in having a safe burn in the off season, when no Fire Season is in effect.

But keep in mind Forest Fires can happen any time of year and you could be responsible for any escaped fire.

 

Burning Regulations

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For question related to Graze Burning, Smoke Management and Land Clearing, please call your local office and speak to a Forest Officer.

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The regulations for Graze Burning are set forth by Department of Agriculture and Department of Environmental Quality. The rules and regulations for Slash Burning are set forth by Department of Forestry and Department of Environmental Quality. Oregon revised Statues 468a.550 - 468a.620

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Call your nearest CFPA Office for more information or questions.

At any time, the District can shut down (ban) burning all together - even if you have a current burn permit. Any offense or violation can result in a Notice of Violation, the fire being put out, and, possibly, you being charged suppression costs if an uncontrolled fire situation occurs.

 

Burning Factors (OUT OF FIRE SEASON)

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Weather:

Extra caution is needed when weather conditions are unstable. Wind, humidity and temperature play the biggest roles when determining the best time to burn debris. Remember, high temperature results in low humidity, which increases the chances of a fire starting and spreading.

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Time:

Depending on the severity of the weather, pay close attention to the time of day in which burning is conducted. Relative humidity tends to be at its highest during morning hours allowing for better control.

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Site Preparation:

The steps needed to prepare the burn site are determined by the type of materials that are to be burned and the fuels in the surrounding area. A fire trail must be clear of all flammable debris. Trails must encircle the entire burning area.

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Fire Suppression Equipment:

The person burning must have a shovel and a supply of water on hand at the burn site.

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Responsible Adult:

It is important to note that even if you burn outside of fire season it does not relieve you from responsibility for the payment of costs for suppression or for damages if the fire escapes control. A capable, responsible adult must be present at all times until the fire is completely out.

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Incinerators:

*The area and location of your incinerator should be clear of burnable materials around the burn site (dry grass, large limbs, stacks of wood, fences, etc.) as well as above the burn site (power lines, branches, buildings, etc.)

*Burning material in a burn barrel or incinerator reduces the risk of a fire escaping.

*Be sure your barrel is metal and in good condition.

*You must have and use a heavy mesh screen of 14 gauge wire with holes no larger than 1/4 inch.

*You must have a shovel, and a charged water hose (that reaches the barrel), and ground cleared around the barrel of all burnable materials for a safe distance.

*The incinerator is not to be unattended while burning.

*No burning on windy days, or when the temperature is high and the humidity is low.

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Debris Burning:

*Debris burning (pile burning) is a way of reducing forest litter on your property. This type of burn is typically done in the spring months and the fall months.

*The area and location of your pile should be clear of burnable materials around the burn site (dry grass, large limbs, stacks of wood, fences, etc.) as well as above the burn site (power lines, branches, buildings, etc.).

*You must have a shovel, and a charged water hose (that reaches the pile), or a water source suitable for the burn.

*The ground cleared around the pile of all burnable materials for a distance of 10-feet.

*Keep piles small and feed the pile as you burn.

*The pile is not to be unattended at any time while burning.

*Household paper is not to be burned in an open debris pile, as these produce large hot ashes that escape the pile during burning.

*It is illegal to burn items prohibited by DEQ.

*You can burn tree limbs, twigs, pinecones, leaves, and other forest litter.

*Stumps and/or any burnable material, that in the opinion of the Fire Warden, will hold heat for extended period of time may need approval outside of Fire Season, please call your local CFPA Office for more information.