Central Oregon has experienced a milder winter than normal, and currently the vegetation is drier and more ready to burn. This has led to a recent uptick in escaped debris burns. While this time of year is often used for spring cleaning and then burning that material from the yard or property, this should only be done with extreme caution and under the right conditions.
It is best to burn on a cool, rainy day when the fire behavior will remain moderated. Remember to clear the ground to bare mineral soil around the pile, be present with a water source when burning, and ensure the pile is completely out before walking
away.
Burning conditions to avoid:
-bright, sunny, cloudless days
-weather that is warmer than average
-extra dry fuels that would make starting the burn pile very easy
-winds above 5 mph
Please be sure to check with your local fire district for burn permit requirements, current conditions, and any other restrictions.
Alfalfa Fire District—541.382.2333—https://www.alfalfafiredistrict.org/
Bend/Deschutes Rural District #2—541.322.6335—https://www.dcrfpd2.com/
Black Butte Ranch—541.595.2288—https://bbrfire-or.gov/
Cloverdale—541.389.2345—https://www.cloverdalefire.com/
Crook County Fire and Rescue—541.447.2876—https://crookcountyfireandrescue.com/
Crooked River Ranch RFPD—541.923.4633—https://www.crrfire-or.gov/
Jefferson County Fire and EMS—541.475.7274—https://www.jcfr1.org/
La Pine Fire Department—541.536.9056—https://lapinefire.org/
Lake Chinook Fire and Rescue—541.410.5077—https://lakechinookfireandrescue.org/
Redmond Fire and Rescue—541.504.5035—https://www.rdmfire.org/
Sisters-Camp Sherman—541.549.2333—https://www.sistersfire.com/
Warm Springs Fire and Safety—541.553.1171—https://warmsprings-nsn.gov/program/116/
*Per The National Weather Service in Pendelton: A strong high pressure has led to much warmer than normal temperatures, as well as dry conditions over pars of central Oregon. Additionally, winds in the afternoon have the capability to gust between 20 and 30 mph. This combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to rapid fire spread. A cold front will sweep across the region late Friday or Friday night, giving relief to the very low relative humidity. Some areas where grasses have not greened up will experience an elevated level of fire weather risk. Any fire that develops can catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended each afternoon this week.
