Redmond Fire & Rescue to reopen outdoor burning Oct. 1

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Redmond Fire & Rescue will reopen outdoor burning beginning at 8 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, following recent rain and cooler temperatures that have lowered the risk of fire spread.

Fire officials are reminding residents that debris burning is prohibited inside Redmond city limits at all times under Redmond Fire & Rescue Ordinance No. 5. Violations can result in citations and fines.

Campfires, warming fires and cooking fires in approved fire rings or appliances are allowed year-round, including within city limits, as long as all regulations are followed. Officials note that all types of fires can still be banned during peak fire conditions.

Burn permits required

A burn permit is required for open burning outside Redmond city limits. Burn barrels do not require a permit, but residents must still check the burn line before burning.

Outdoor burning is evaluated daily before 8 a.m. Residents must call the outdoor burning line at 541-504-5035 and use the online permit system to determine whether burning is allowed.

Permits are available through the Before You Burn app or Redmond Fire & Rescue's website.

Anyone conducting an outdoor burn is responsible for the fire, including potential suppression costs. Fires must be constantly attended by an adult until they are completely extinguished and cold to the touch.

Fire officials also require:

• At least 10 feet of clearance around the fire from combustible materials.
• At least one portable fire extinguisher rated at 4-A or other approved firefighting equipment, such as a shovel and dirt, garden hose or water truck.
• Fires must be extinguished if weather or local conditions make them hazardous.
• Fire code officials can order any hazardous fire to be extinguished.

Yard debris burning

Residential yard debris burning is allowed only outside Redmond city limits with a valid permit.

Burn piles and approved containers must be kept a safe distance from structures. Approved containers must be at least 15 feet from structures, while larger burn piles require greater distances.

Burn piles must also be sized so they can be completely extinguished by the required time listed on the burn information line.

Burning debris after dark is prohibited.

How to report an illegal burn

Residents can report illegal burning by calling non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911.

To report someone burning items not approved by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, call DEQ at 541-388-6146.