Currently, six ODF districts and fire protective associations are in fire season:
- Coos Forest Protective Association
- Douglas Forest Protective Association
- Walker Range Forest Protective Association
- Central Oregon District
- Klamath-Lake District
- Southwest Oregon District
For most Lane County residents, today (Friday, June 15) marks the last day for outdoor burning until October, according to the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA). The end of outdoor burning is due to elevated fire danger during the summer months. Outdoor burning is not expected to resume until the end of wildfire season this autumn.
During the closed season, yard debris may be disposed of at one of several local debris collection or recycling centers such as, Lane Forest Products, Rexius Forest By-Products, or Lane County’s transfer stations and dump sites. Composting and chipping are always encouraged and many residents in the urban growth boundaries of Eugene and Springfield also have option to use curbside yard debris pick up.
Residents who burn during the closed season are subject to violations ranging from $50 to $2,500 or more. “The average residential open burning fine runs about $300, depending upon the size of the fire and materials being burned,” said Jo Niehaus, LRAPA Spokesperson. “Illegal burning during the dry summer months also increases the risk of wildfires that can damage property and destroy homes.”
Backyard debris burning – which includes burn piles and burn barrels – is one of the leading causes of human-caused wildfires in Oregon.
Some Lane County residents can expect to see the outdoor burning season reopen in October with a new change. Residents living inside the Eugene Urban Growth Boundary but outside the City Limits of Eugene must be on 2 acres or larger to burn in the fall.
The Lane County Fire Defense Board will decide if the season will open on time on the first of October or delay opening due to high fire risks. People can check on the season’s status by going online at www.lrapa.org or calling the LRAPA daily open burning advisory line, (541) 726-3976. Coastal residents may call (541) 997-1757.