The Multnomah County Fire Defense Board announced an immediate burn ban for all areas of Multnomah County. This action is based on continued hot, dry weather conditions and increased fire danger across the region. The ban is in effect until further notice.
The burn ban includes:
- Backyard burning
- Recreational campfires and fire pits
- Agricultural burning, including agricultural wastes, field burning, and any previously permitted open burning such as land clearing, slash, stump, or debris burning.
Outdoor cooking using grills, smokers, and other cooking appliances fueled by charcoal, wood chips, pellets, propane, or natural gas is still allowed with extreme caution. When using charcoal briquettes, dispose of ashes only in covered metal containers away from combustibles. Keep ashes soaked in water for several days before final disposal.
Additional Safety Reminders:
- Maintain at least 10 feet between any outdoor cooking and combustible materials (e.g., siding, fences, shrubs.)
- Smokers should fully extinguish cigarettes before discarding them.
- Rural property owners are urged to maintain wildfire defensible space around structures, reduce dry vegetation, and ensure emergency vehicle access.
The ban will remain in effect throughout the summer until the Fall weather allows a return to permitted open burning. Always check before you burn by visiting the Multnomah County Wood Burning Restrictions webpage.
Climate Change Impacts
Climate change is making Oregon Summers hotter and drier, which leads to more favorable wildfire conditions. Wildfires can impact both natural areas and urban areas. Most wildfires are human caused. It's more important than ever for all Oregonaians to learn about how to prevent accidental fire starts. Learn more about wildfire prevention by visiting the Oregon State Fire Marshal website and learn more about wildfire risk reduction in Portland on the Portland fire website. Please do your part to prevent deadly wildfires!
