C.O. burn season set to begin – where it’s allowed

The Central Oregon Fire Chiefs Association announced Monday that burn season will open this week across Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties — except in cities where burning is not permitted.

The fire chiefs from all firefighting agencies, including municipal and rural fire departments, the US Forest Service, the BLM and Oregon Department of Forestry have agreed that all jurisdictions will enter burn season, which allows outdoor burning of debris and agricultural burns as of Wednesday.

The only exceptions to this allowance are the city of Bend, the city of Sisters, and Sunriver, which have a year-round ban on outdoor burning within their jurisdictions.

COFCA strongly recommends that those who chose to burn debris begin their project early in the day, prior to winds picking up that could spread a fire.

“With the colder temperatures and added moisture we have received and are expecting, the potential for debris burns to escape and become a wildfire hazard is reduced,” explains Chief Doug Koellermeier, president of the association.

Please call the local fire district in your area on the day you plan to burn to confirm that it is a burn day and obtain any needed permits.

Even though burn season will officially begin October 1 st , weather conditions such as high winds or warm fall weather can dictate higher fire risk that particular day temporarily closes down burning.

All outdoor burns must be monitored by the resident who received the burn permit; never leave a burn unattended, as it can spread to other combustibles.

Before you conduct any outdoor burning please check the local regulations for your area.