- Multiple fire agencies in Oregon are implementing burn bans due to hot, dry weather and increased wildfire risk, affecting counties such as Washington, Multnomah, Clackamas, and Yamhill.
Several fire agencies are implementing burn bans amid hot, dry weather and increased wildfire risk, including throughout Washington, Multnomah, Clackamas and Yamhill counties. This comes as nearly half of all Oregon counties are under a drought emergency.
Portland Fire & Rescue, Gresham Fire, and all Washington County fire agencies said a burn ban will begin Monday, June 15. The ban includes recreational campfires; fire pits; yard debris; and agricultural burning, including agricultural waste, field burning, and any previously permitted open burning, such as land clearing. Any open burns, even those with permits, are also prohibited.
The burn ban does not extend to outdoor cooking using grills; smokers; or other cooking appliances fueled by charcoal, wood chips, pellets, propane or natural gas. While disposing of charcoal briquettes, people should put the ashes in only covered, metal containers away from combustible material, then keep the ashes soaked in water for several days before disposing of them altogether…