Fire Defense Board Chief Scott Lewis has lifted the outdoor burn ban in all areas of Multnomah County on Oct. 8, 2020. The burn ban has been lifted due to the cooler overnight temperatures, increase in nighttime moisture, and anticipated rainfall, which has improved the moisture content of the local ground cover.

With the recent wildfires throughout Oregon, make sure outdoor burning is conducted with safety at the forefront.

Recreational campfires and fire pits are now permitted. Yard debris and open burning is not permitted in the City of Portland.

There are air quality burn bans that can still be put in effect in the Portland area by the Multnomah County Health Department. You can check the air quality/burning status here: https://multco.us/health/staying-healthy/winter-wood-burning-restrictions.  

Remember: regardless of a burn ban status, please take care with recreational fires.

Some safety information about legal, recreational fires:

1. A recreational fire located in a pit shall be no closer than 25 feet from a structure. Fires contained in fireplace-type receptacles or chimeneas shall be no closer than 15 feet from a structure or the distance listed in the manufacture’s instruction, whichever is less. When required by the Fire Marshal, outdoor burning device stacks shall be equipped with a spark-arresting, 12-gauge wire mesh screen with openings of not less than 3/8” nor more than 1/2”.

2. A responsible person shall be in attendance at all times and have approved fire-extinguishing equipment close at hand.

3. No garbage or similar material is to be burned in these fires.

4. Observe common safety practices while enjoying the recreational fire, e.g. cease burning if the wind picks up to 15 mph or higher, be careful with the consumption of alcohol by any persons around the fire, watch small children in the vicinity, etc.

More information about outside burning: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/fire/article/405003