Burning Regulations:

Under Oregon laws, outdoor burning is regulated by the Department of Environmental Quality for pollution concerns, the Department of Forestry when our forests or timber is affected, and the Fire Department for Fire & Life Safety concerns.

Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District is required to comply with the Oregon Fire Code, ORS 478 and O.A.R. Chapter 340, Rules for Open Burning. Vernonia Fire will close burning on days when weather conditions cause high fire danger. The State Fire Marshal may also restrict burning during extreme fire season conditions. Please use safe burning practices at all times to prevent wildfires.

To minimize air pollution resulting from outdoor burning, D.E.Q. has prescribed specific burning seasons. Each day the authority to burn may be granted or restricted depending on the air quality and fire hazards. 

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Backyard Burning:

Yard, Tree and Garden debris ONLY!

1. Residential burning may only be conducted during the Open Burn Seasons.

2. Please check our website, social media platforms, Spencer Park reader board or by calling our burn line at 503-429-8252,  Option 1, to find out if it is Open Burn Season.

3. All burning shall be conducted during daylight hours.

4. Backyard Burning cannot exceed 9ft x 9ft x 9ft. and must be at least 50 feet away from any structure or other combustible material.

5. Burning barrels shall have proper wire mesh screen (3/4 inch) in place.

6. Domestic burning does not allow the burning of the following materials: Garbage, plastic, processed wood (i.e. 2x2, 2x4, wood pallets, etc.), wire insulation, automobile parts, asphalt, petroleum products, petroleum treated materials, rubber products, animal remains, animal or vegetable matter resulting from handling, preparation, cooking or service of food, or any materials which normally emits dense smoke or noxious odors.

7. DOES NOT include "Land Clearing" debris. "Land Clearing" is defined as the removal of trees, brush, logs, stumps, debris or man made structures for the purpose of site clean-up, or site preparation. All material generated by land clearing is DEMOLITION WASTE except those materials which are included in the definitions of agricultural waste, yard debris (domestic waste), and slash. Permits for burning land clearing debris can be obtained from the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) at 503-397-2636.

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Recreational Fires:

A recreational fire is a fire at your residence that is used for the purpose of cooking, warming or similar recreation.

1. Recreational fires are allowed throughout the year unless we are in a severe fire season at which time all fires may be prohibited. 

2. Recreational fires cannot exceed 3ft x 3ft x 3ft. and must be at least 25 feet away from any structure or other combustible material.

3. ONLY seasoned campfire wood or charcoal can be burned.

4. Call 503-429-8252, Option 1, for recreational fire information.

5. Propane powered cooking appliances that meet the manufacturers listing are allowed.

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Fire Safety Rules:

1. Burning material shall be constantly attended by a person knowledgeable in the use of the fire-extinguishing equipment. The attendant shall supervise the burning material on site until the fire has been extinguished.

2. A garden hose connected to a water supply and a shovel or other approved fire-extinguishing equipment shall be readily available for use at open burning sites. Heavy equipment such as an excavator or tractor, etc. may be required for large piles.

3. Burning of materials in any manner where smoke or flame damages or endangers persons or property of others is prohibited.

4. The Fire Chief is authorized to close open burning due to hazardous conditions.

 

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Property owners and operators who are conducting illegal burning may be cited and fined for such action (ORS 478.960) and charged costs for fire suppression (ORS 478.965)

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Residential Burn Permits:

​As required by ORS 478.960, burning permits are required for all open burning in the Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District service area, with the exception of small recreational fires.  Please follow all burning regulations and directions very carefully.  

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Yearly Burn Permits are FREE, and can be found on our website under the OBTAIN BURN PERMIT tab.

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Be sure to dial 503-429-8252, Option 1, to ensure it is an official burn day each day you decide to burn.

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