Health Department issues mandatory wood-burning restriction due to poor air quality

On this page

  1. Violations
  2. Exemptions
  3. Protect your health
  4. Adverse health effects of particulate matter
  5. Air quality and health equity
  6. Stay informed

Due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), Multnomah County health officials are issuing a mandatory wood-burning restriction, effective today at noon. This is the first cold-season wood-burning restriction — also called a “Red Day” — of 2026.

The National Weather Service issued an air stagnation advisory from Friday, Jan. 9, through 4 a.m. Friday, Jan. 16. Light winds and limited air movement are forecast to keep air pollutants close to the ground where people live and breathe.

The wood-burning restriction will remain in effect until weather conditions improve and pollutants disperse, which health department staff expect later this weekend.

Under the restriction, recreational fires and backyard burning are prohibited. This includes fires in fireplaces, fireplace inserts, wood stoves and fire pits, unless residents and businesses have applied for an exemption. These restrictions do not apply to wood used for cooking. 

“We are restricting burning because of air stagnation in the region,” said Air Quality Program Specialist Jonathan Cruz. “We all need to keep the air clean and healthy. When weather patterns trap smoke near the ground, the wood smoke from one chimney can impact the health of an entire block.”

Violations

Residents and businesses may receive a citation for burning during the mandatory burn restriction. Multiple citations may result in a fine. To report a suspected violation, contact Multnomah County Environmental Health:

  • Call 503-988-0035
  • Submit a web form.
  • For fire emergencies, call 9-1-1. For safety concerns or to inspect the fire, contact your local fire department. Multnomah County does not extinguish a fire upon receiving a complaint. 

Exemptions

This restriction does not apply to cooking. Households that rely on wood burning as their sole source of heat must apply for an exemption and receive approval from the Health Department.

Burning is allowed with a preapproved, qualified exemption in the following cases:

  • If wood is the household’s sole source of heat.
  • If a household’s income is no more than 60% of Oregon’s median income.
  • In the event of a power outage, if any service interruption or shortage cuts off a primary source of heat.

To apply for an annual exemption, visit multco.us/woodsmokestatus, call 503-988-0035 or email woodsmokecomplaints@multco.us. 

Protect your health

Exposure to air pollution can cause serious and life-threatening respiratory distress, including heart attacks and strokes. If you are in distress, call 9-1-1.

While there is growing awareness that air pollution affects our health, people may normalize poor air pollution and only act when the problem is severe. Even healthy people can be at risk due to underlying conditions.

Mild symptoms may include: coughing and phlegm production, runny or stuffy noses, headaches, sore throats, burning or watery eyes, and changes in breathing or asthma. To minimize risk:

  • Skip the fire: Do not burn wood. Burning is the primary contributor to this air pollution.
  • Keep indoor air clean: If available, use portable air cleaners or a HEPA or MERV 13 (or higher) air filter if possible. If you experience symptoms, try to create a “clean room” where the air is as clean as possible.
  • Reduce activity: Avoid strenuous outdoor activity/exercise until the advisory is lifted. People sensitive or at risk from air pollution may consider using a NIOSH-approved N95 or better mask if they need to go outside.
  • Check on neighbors: Ensure older family members and those with respiratory issues are breathing easily.

Adverse health effects of particulate matter

In Multnomah County, residential wood smoke is the second leading human-caused source of PM2.5, after vehicle emissions. These particles stay at breathing level during periods of low wind and stagnant weather. 

Once inhaled, PM2.5 can cause serious respiratory and circulatory issues, including asthma, cancer, stroke, lung and heart disease. Exposures to PM2.5 harms vulnerable individuals, including those with respiratory and heart issues, older adults, young children and those living or being active outdoors.

Air quality and health equity

Air pollution affects everyone but has a disproportionate impact on environmental justice communities — areas that experience undue health burdens due to historical neglect or intentional design, such as communities of color, houseless individuals, or low-income neighborhoods.

Residents living in some areas of Multnomah County can have an increased risk for poor health outcomes from wood smoke and air pollution due to environmental factors. Learn more in our Environmental Justice Snapshot.

Stay informed

 

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