Bend-area outdoor debris burning closed as of June 1st
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Bend Fire & Rescue, in conjunction with the Central Oregon Fire Chiefs Association (COFCA), has announced the date of closing of open debris burning. The last day to conduct outdoor debris burning is Friday, May 31st. Starting June 1st, debris burning will be closed for fire season.
Outdoor debris burning within the city limits of Bend is closed year-round by City of Bend Ordinance.
Backyard fires which include warming fires, campfires and cooking fires are typically allowed year-round within the City of Bend and the areas covered by Deschutes County Rural Fire District #2 that surrounds the city, when used within the guidelines set forth in the Bend Fire & Rescue Burning Regulations.
Additional restrictions on campfires can be placed during the hottest parts of summer to help reduce the risk of fire further. Check the restrictions every time you burn by calling our burn information line at 541-322-6335.
Bend Fire & Rescue Burn Regulations are available online at www.bendoregon.gov/burninginfo
As a reminder for everyone living in Central Oregon, be sure your home has good defensible space around it to help protect your home from the threat of wildfire. More information about creating defensible space and preparing for the upcoming fire season can be found on our website at www.bendoregon.gov/own-your-zone.
Be advised that regulations may vary between fire protection jurisdictions. Please contact your local, state or federal fire agency for specific requirements and closures.
The U.S. Forest Service will continue to conduct prescribed burns throughout Central Oregon as long as conditions remain favorable. This closure only affects private property that is not within U.S. Forest Service jurisdiction. The prescribed burning done by the Deschutes National Forest and other national forests around Oregon help decrease the risk of high-severity wildfire to our communities in Central Oregon. This work helps create healthy and safe forests for generations to come. Deschutes National Forest provided this information about their prescribed burn operations:
“Our prescribed burns are staffed with professional firefighters – the same firefighters that spend their summers protecting our communities from wildfires. Should there be a need, additional engines, dozers, and other firefighting equipment is ready to respond. A qualified burn boss leads prescribed burns. Qualified burn bosses typically have 15+ years of experience fighting wildfire and implementing prescribed burns. The burn boss closely monitors the weather and fuels conditions and is in frequent communication with our smoke specialists and weather forecasters. Although we collaborate closely with local government agencies and we mutually respond to wildfires, the Deschutes National Forest does not provide direction for debris burning on private lands.”
