Bend-area outdoor debris burning to close a month early, joins most districts aiming to reduce wildfire danger
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Bend Fire & Rescue, in conjunction with the Central Oregon Fire Chiefs Association, announced Wednesday that outdoor debris burning in the area outside the city limits will close at the end of April for the Bend area.
Outdoor debris burning will be open "as conditions allow" in the rural areas surrounding Bend until midnight on Thursday, April 30. Debris burning is not allowed within the Bend city limits, under a city ordinance. Redmond Fire & Rescue also announced an April 30 burn ban on Monday, and Sisters-area fire agencies made the same announcement on Tuesday.
"The closure comes a month earlier than normal because of increased risk shown by local drought declarations and the seasonal fire outlook," the department said.
Backyard fires, which include warming fires, campfires and cooking fires, are typically allowed year-round in the city of Bend and the surrounding areas covered by Deschutes County Rural Fire Protection District #2, when following Bend Fire & Rescue burning regulations. Additional restrictions can be placed on campfires during peak temperatures to reduce fire risk.
The department asks that you please check restrictions every time you burn by calling the Bend area information hotline at 541-322-6335. Learn more about burn regulations and permitting at bendoregon.gov/burninginfo.
As temperatures continue to rise, you're asked to "please remember that wildfire is a threat in Central Oregon. Protect your home from wildfire by clearing flammable vegetation and creating defensible space. More information about simple steps you can take to prepare for the upcoming fire season can be found at bendoregon.gov/own-your-zone."
Tuesday news release:
Central Oregon Fire Chiefs Discuss Closing Open Debris Burning
The Central Oregon Fire Chiefs Association (COFCA) is closely following local drought declarations, and the seasonal fire outlook. Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson and north Klamath Counties are abnormally dry, with portions already in severe drought.
“We experienced a mild winter, with low snowpack. Given the current and expected conditions, we need the public’s help to prevent accidental fire starts,” said COFCA Chair Todd Riley, Fire Chief for Bend Fire & Rescue.
Burning residential debris piles in most fire districts will not be allowed after midnight on Thursday, April 30. This is a month earlier than previous years because of the increased risk. Each fire district will assess conditions on a daily basis to determine if burning is allowed. Many will stay closed until the fall.
The Oregon Department of Forestry introduced a new tool to help you know if you can burn. Before You Burn is a website and app that gives real-time weather, local agency guidance, and burn condition updates just by entering your address.
Instead of burning, there are other ways to lower wildfire risk. Options include chipping, hauling to a landfill or transfer site, or piling and covering in place. More information for preventing wildfires, fire department listings, and fire restrictions can also be found at centraloregonfire.org.
Below is a list of phone numbers for Central Oregon agencies.
541-382-2333 - Alfalfa Fire District
541-322-6335 - Bend/Deschutes Rural District #2
541-595-2288 - Black Butte Ranch
541-389-2345 - Cloverdale
541-433-2451 - Crescent Fire District
541-447-2876 - Crook County Fire & Rescue
541-923-4633 - Crooked River Ranch RFPD
541-475-1789 - Jefferson County Fire & EMS
541-536-9056 - La Pine Fire Department
541-410-5077 - Lake Chinook Fire & Rescue
541-504-5035 - Redmond Fire & Rescue
541-549-2333 - Sisters-Camp Sherman
541-553-1146 - Warm Springs Fire & Safety
541-383-5300 - Deschutes National Forest
541-416-6500 - Ochoco National Forest/Crooked River Grasslands
541-416-6700 - Bureau of Land Management
541-447-5658 - Oregon Department of Forestry Prineville Unit
541-549-2731 – Oregon Department of Forestry Sisters Sub-Unit
541-433-2451 – Walker Range Fire Patrol Association
Together, with responsible actions by individuals and pre-season readiness from our fire service, Central Oregon will be able to head into another fire year safely.
