Outdoor burning will reopen in Redmond on Oct. 1

Redmond Fire & Rescue will reopen outdoor burning on Thursday, Oct. 1, at 8 a.m. Recent rainfall and cooler temperatures have lowered the risk of fire spread to safe levels across the district.

Fire regulations vary depending on location and fire type. Open debris burning remains strictly prohibited within Redmond city limits at all times, while burning outside city limits requires a burn permit and daily safety compliance.

Within Redmond city limits, campfires, warming fires and cooking fires are permitted year-round in approved fire rings or appliances without a permit. Open debris burning inside city limits is prohibited under Redmond Fire & Rescue Ordinance No. 5 and violations can lead to citations and fines. Officials noted that all fire types may be banned during peak fire conditions.

Open burning outside city limits requires a valid burn permit, which residents can obtain through the Before You Burn App on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, or online at www.rdmfire-or.gov. Burn barrels do not require a permit, though users must still verify whether burning is allowed. Burning decisions are made daily, requiring residents to call the outdoor burning information line at 541-504-5035 or check the online permit system every day before lighting a fire.

Individuals starting fires are personally and criminally responsible for any fire they ignite, including potential suppression costs. Fires must be continuously attended by an adult until completely extinguished and cold to the touch. Burners must maintain a cleared radius of at least 10 feet free of combustible materials around the fire. A portable fire extinguisher with at least a four-A rating, or alternative equipment such as a shovel and dirt, garden hose, or water truck, must be available on site. Fire code officials retain authority to order the immediate extinguishment of any fire deemed hazardous.

For permitted residential yard debris burning outside city limits, burning after dark is strictly prohibited. Pile sizes measuring three feet or less in diameter and two feet or less in height must be located at least 25 feet from any structure, while larger piles require a minimum distance of 50 feet. Burn barrels and approved fire containers must be set back at least 15 feet from structures. All burn piles must be sized so fires are fully extinguished by the time specified on the daily burn information line.

Illegal burns can be reported to non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911. Burning materials not approved by the Department of Environmental Quality can be reported directly to DEQ at 541-388-6146.

Outdoor burning reopens Thursday, Oct. 1, at 8 a.m. Daily burn availability decisions will be determined and posted before 8 a.m. each day.