HERMISTON, Ore.-Restricted open burn season starts October 1, and Umatilla County Fire District 1 (UCFD1) is reminding residents to be cautious after a dry summer.
Restricted open burning is only allowed on designated burn days, regulated by Umatilla County. Residents should check with Umatilla County Smoke Management online or by calling the burn line at 541.278.6397, to determine if it’s a burn day.
The person who starts an outdoor burn is responsible for conducting it safely, according to UCFD1, and current and expected weather conditions should be considered, as well as the location of the burn.
The burning of outdoor debris is allowed during burn season, however, the open burning of construction, demolition and commercial waste within a three-mile radius of the City of Hermiston requires an open burn letter from Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) and UCFD1.
According to UCFD1, the area has not seen a significant amount of rain yet, and fire danger remains high, meaning open burns should be conducted carefully.
Open burn safety tips from UCFD1
- Treat your burn like a campfire and attend to it until it’s completely out
- To avoid fire crews being dispatched unnecessarily, notify UCFD1 if you plan to conduct a large burn. UCFD1 can be reached at 541.567.8822. Large burn piles should also be inspected before they are lit. To get burn piles inspected call 541.667.5134 or 541.667.5120.
- Maintain full control of your burn by having water, tools and equipment nearby and ready-to-use
- Only burn between 10 a.m. and sunset
In Oregon, the landowners or occupants may be responsible for the costs accrued from fighting an open burn that gets out of control.
More information on UCFD1’s burn regulations is available online.
