Burn Ban In Affect

As of today, June 15, all Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) districts and Lincoln County Fire Defense Board are in fire season. This means that to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires, fire restrictions may be in place where you live or at a destination you plan to visit or recreate. “Looking at the current conditions and projections for the summer, ODF is prepared to have another busy fire season,” said Michael Curran, Oregon Department of Forestry’s Fire Protection Division Chief. “Oregonians need to be practicing wildfire prevention and emergency preparedness NOW.” The burn ban will be in affect until October 15th.

Fire danger continues to increase each year, and these consistent dates allow residents to plan accordingly. Individual fire districts may adjust ban dates based on local weather and fire risk. This ban in Lincoln County applies only to yard debris burning.

This ban does NOT include (Unless fire weather conditions are present or forecasted):

• Recreational campfires

• Propane or patio fireplaces

• Charcoal barbecue grills

Check with your local fire agency for district-specific restrictions and guidance.

The launch of fire season sets into motion several fire prevention measures for the general public and forest operations. Call your local district to learn about current burning restrictions or regulations, and if you need a permit. If you were unable to burn your yard debris this spring, cover burn piles and wait until late fall or winter when burning is allowed and conditions are more suitable.

The following activities are prohibited on forestlands protected by ODF when in fire season:

1. Smoking while working in or traveling through any operation area.

2. The use of fuse and caps for blasting, unless approval is granted by the forester.

3. The discharge of an exploding target inside the district or within one-eighth mile of the district.

4. The discharge of tracer ammunition on land that is within the district or within one-eighth mile of the district, or when discharged, crosses above land that is within the district or within one-eighth mile of the district.

Now is the time to brush up on your wildfire prevention knowledge. Tips include:

• Know before you go. Campfires may be banned or only allowed in approved campgrounds.

• Make sure your campfire is cool to the touch before going to sleep or leaving your site. Don’t forget to Drown, Stir, Repeat. 

• Forests and fireworks don’t mix. Private use of fireworks is not allowed on forest land, which includes all private lands protected by ODF and all other state and federal forest lands in Oregon. Remember to check any additional city and county firework restrictions as well.  

• Backyard debris burning either requires a burn permit during fire season or is prohibited altogether. If you burned earlier this spring, go back and check on your debris burn site to make sure nothing reignites due to the heat.

• Don’t flick a cigarette onto the ground. It may be just enough to start a fire.

• Don’t park or idle over dried grass.

• Don’t drag tow chains.

• Check local restrictions and fire danger levels.

  
  

Curran said, “Prevention is our number one tool to reduce property loss, firefighting costs, and risk to the lives of our firefighters. We can’t prevent lightning fires, but we can prevent human-caused fires.” ODF protects over 16 million acres of private, county, state, and federal land in Oregon from wildfire. Fire season is declared at the local level when conditions reach a point where the risk of a fire starting and spreading becomes clear. This year, the Central Oregon district was the first to declare on May 8, and the Northwest Oregon Area was the last to declare on June 15.