Wood Burning Restrictions

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Today’s Burn Status

Yellow - Advisory | Last update: December 1, 7:37 am

The National Weather Service issued an air stagnation advisory starting November 27 through December 2. Protect air quality. Don't burn wood unless it is your only source of heat.

Smoke from fires can affect you and your neighbors in various ways. Help spread the word»

Updates posted by 11am each day.

Complaints

To report a violation on a wood-burning restriction (red or yellow) day, call 503-988-0035 or make a complaint online. We will respond within 1-2 business days.

Check Before You Burn

Check air quality conditions and burn advisory status every time before you burn.

Burning wood is one of the biggest sources of harmful air pollution in Multnomah County. When poor air quality is expected, we will issue a wood burning restriction. During a restriction, you may not use any fireplace or wood stove. See rules»

We will post the current advisory status on this page, social media and in local news channels. Restrictions take effect by noon the same day. 

Advisory Status

• Yellow day = Limit burning
• Red day = No burning allowed

Get alerts by email or text:

• Sign up to receive emails»
• Text message: Text START to 503-994-2876

Social media: X, Facebook, Nextdoor

Check Air Quality

• AirNow
• DEQ air quality map

You should also check with your local fire departments for fire bans during dry or windy weather.

Wood Burning Restriction Rules

If you live in Multnomah County, you cannot burn wood when poor air quality is expected. This means you may not use:

• Wood/pellet stoves
• Fireplaces
• Outdoor fire pits
• Chimineas

There are exceptions for those who must use wood to heat their homes, those with limited income, and during emergencies such as a power outage. Households with an exception should apply for an exemption each year. 

You Can Still Use Your Grill

The ordinance does not apply to cooking food. Charcoal grills, smokers or wood fired ovens are ok.

• Multnomah County Code, Air Quality Regulations, Chapter 21
• Multnomah County Air Quality Resolution, NO. 2022-010

Exemptions

You may apply for a wood burning exemption if: 

• Wood/pellet burning is the ONLY way to heat the main living space. But, if your home or business has a permanently installed and connected furnace or heating system, wood is not considered a sole source of heat. 
• There is an economic need. Your total household income is 60% or less than the Oregon median income. 
• Emergency conditions are present. If there's a power outage, service interruption or failure of your main heating system (120 days only).

Other temporary exemptions may be allowed, if authorized by the Environmental Health director.

Exemptions expire September 30 and must be renewed every year. You must apply before using your wood stove or fireplace. There is no cost to apply. Apply for an exemption» 

Exemption Application (523.42 KB)

Burning Yard Debris

Oregon's Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regulates open and outdoor burning.

Backyard burning of yard debris is NEVER permitted inside the burn ban boundary. This includes parts of Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties.

As of December 2023, the City of Fairview does not allow any backyard burning of yard debris.

Outside the Burn Boundary

The following cities and fire districts in Multnomah County have their own outdoor burn restrictions:

• Gresham, Troutdale, Wood Village, Fairview, Fire District 10 | 503-618-3083
• Corbett Fire District 14 | 503-809-4372
• Sauvie Island District 30 | 503-621-1242
• Portland Fire and Rescue | 503-823-3710

Get a Free Lawn Sign

Smoke from fires can affect you and your neighbors in various ways. To help spread the word, request a free lawn sign

Do you use a fireplace or wood stove?