NEWS RELEASE: Health Department continues mandatory wood-burning restriction due to increased air pollution

On this page

  1. What is in smoke and how does it impact my health? 
  2. People at risk
  3. Protect your health
  4. Violations
  5. Exemptions
  6. Stay informed

Multnomah County, Ore. (Aug. 4, 2026) — Due to forecasted heat and wildfire smoke levels, Multnomah County health officials are continuing a mandatory wood-burning restriction that went into effect Monday, Aug. 3, at noon. The restriction comes alongside burn bans issued by the Portland Fire & Rescue Fire Marshal and Multnomah County Fire Defense Board for fire safety. This is the fourth summer season wood-burning restriction from the Multnomah County Health Department — also called a “Red Day” — of 2026. 

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has also issued a smoke advisory for Multnomah County. Wildfire smoke from fires in Oregon and Washington entered Multnomah County yesterday afternoon and worsened overnight. 

"Wildfire smoke and extreme heat are a dangerous duo,” said Air Quality Program Specialist Jonathan Cruz. “Protect your lungs and your body today by staying cool inside, running air filtration, and staying hydrated. Don't wait until you feel symptomatic to find cooler and cleaner air."

Managing extreme heat and smoke can be a balancing act, but for most people at risk, extreme heat and overheating is more immediately dangerous than smoke. If you have air conditioning, keep windows closed, set the AC to recirculate indoor air and run an air cleaner. If you do not have AC, open windows at night to cool your home, be sure to run an air cleaner to help filter out the smoke let inside.

Rising temperatures may also bring higher levels of ozone, also known as smog, to the Portland area this week as heat interacts with existing pollution. At the same time, warmer, drier conditions continue to fuel regional wildfires — sending smoke long distances into the Portland metro area, where intense heat will further magnify its health risks.

The wood-burning restriction will remain in effect until weather conditions improve and pollutants disperse, which Health Department staff expect to be later this week. Air quality conditions are expected to be in the Air Quality Index “orange” level — unhealthy for sensitive groups — Tuesday.

Under the restriction, recreational fires, agricultural burning 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, but residents are encouraged to stay alert and use caution. Residents should check air quality before opening doors or windows and adjust or limit outdoor activities.

What is in smoke and how does it impact my health? 

Smoke is a mixture of particles and gases. In Multnomah County, residential wood smoke is the second leading year-round human-caused source of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) after vehicle emissions. These particles stay at breathing level during periods of low wind and stagnant weather. Wood smoke releases pollutants that, when mixed in air with sunlight, also contribute to ground-level ozone. Residential wood smoke worsens air pollution during wildfire events.

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

People at risk

People who are at higher risk of smoke exposure include pregnant people, children, people with heart or lung conditions, and older adults. Residents can protect their health and reduce pollution indoors by turning on an air filter or learning how to build one. Visit multco.us/smoke to learn more.

The Oregon Health Authority has created guidelines to help make decisions about outdoor activities for youth. This includes recess, outdoor play, sports, camps and field trips.

People who work outdoors are also at elevated risk. Employers should visit Oregon OSHA for requirements and recommendations to protect employee health.

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. Listen to your body’s cues. If your eyes are burning, if your throat is sore, if your lungs are having a hard time expanding, if you are coughing, stay inside and focus on creating a “Clean Room” where the air is as clean as possible.

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. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, use your inhalers as directed and contact your healthcare provider.

Take precautions:

  1. Stay inside: Take it easy and listen to your body. Stay inside where particulate matter levels are usually lower, with windows and doors closed (if temperatures allow). People in homes that are too warm to stay inside with the windows closed, or who are at-risk of smoke-related health effects, should seek shelter elsewhere. Places to stay cool can be found at multco.us/hot. 
  2. Keep indoor air clean: If available, set AC to recirculate. Use portable air cleaners and a good HVAC/furnace filter with a MERV rating of 13 or higher. If you experience symptoms, try to create a “clean room” where the air is as clean as possible.
  3. Air quality: Keep an eye on air quality near you (links to air quality maps below or on our website). When air quality improves and reaches the yellow or green level on the Air Quality Index, even temporarily, air out your home to reduce indoor air pollution. 
  4. Limit or reschedule outside activities: If you or your family must be active outdoors, try to schedule activities when the air has cleared and temperatures are cooler. People sensitive to or at risk from air pollution may consider using a NIOSH-approved N95 or better mask if they need to go outside. Not all masks are effective and can provide a false sense of protection from smoke. 
  5. Check on neighbors: Ensure older and younger family members and those with respiratory issues are breathing easily.

Reduce pollution: 

  1. Skip the fire: Do not burn wood.
  2. Do not add to air pollution: Reduce car rides and do not idle vehicles or equipment.
  3. Postpone gas-powered mowing: Lawn and garden equipment is responsible for ozone-forming emissions. Postpone yard work that involves gas-powered equipment until air quality improves.

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 mandatory wood-burning restriction does not apply to cooking uses. 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. 

Stay informed