Cornelius Fire Department

It is illegal to burn the following materials in Oregon and burning these materials will result in enforcement action: Asbestos, asphalt or industrial waste, automotive parts (including frames), dead animals, plastic and rubber products, tires, waste oil, petroleum treated and related materials, wet garbage and food waste, any material creating dense smoke or noxious odors.  

Material should consist of woody debris or paper from a residence.  Material cannot be moved from the property where it was generated prior to burning. Material should not be from a commercial or industrial facility and should not contain demolition or construction debris.  More information on DEQs open burn regulations can be found in OAR 340-264  and on DEQs open burning website.   

Burning is only allowed between the hours of 7:30 am and 2 hours before sunset.  Alternatives to burning should be used whenever possible.  Alternatives may include chipping, recycling, composting debris such as leaves, and taking debris to a landfill.  

The burn must be continuously monitored with equipment and water available to extinguish the burn.  Only clean woody debris that is free of dirt or other material that will not burn should be in burn piles.  Burns should be conducted when weather conditions allow smoke to lift and disperse, avoiding times when smoke can impact nearby residences or roadways.   

All open burning within fire district boundaries in Oregon shall comply with state laws, including the Oregon Fire Code. Unlawful fires may result in cost recovery fees, Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) referral, and Oregon Department of Forestry citation when appropriate. Open burning rules shall be clearly posted on fire district websites and available in print. Rules shall use plain language compliant with the Oregon Plain Language Act. Outdoor fires during a declared fire district burn ban are a public safety hazard and may lead to fire district response, extinguishment, and cost recovery fees. 

Outdoor fires impairing roadway visibility are a hazard and may lead to fire district response, extinguishment, and possible cost recovery fees. Fires causing emergency medical response may lead to extinguishment and potential cost recovery fees.

Burn complaints are lower priority than emergency responses absent a hazard determination. Complaints shall be reported via published non-emergency lines and prioritized appropriately.  Commercial and industrial open burning are prohibited statewide.  Construction and demolition debris may be burned outside urban growth boundaries and restricted burn areas with proper permissions. Agricultural burning requires a special permit and compliance with all applicable Oregon Department of Agriculture rules.

Recreational fires must follow published size, setback, and safety requirements. Restrictions may apply during high fire danger. 

Backyard burning of approved materials is allowed in some areas on designated burn days. Check with your local fire district for specific rules. All burning must comply with state smoke management rules. Fires must be extinguished if smoke or odor affects others. Any unlawful or non-compliant burning is subject to immediate extinguishment and cost recovery fees.

Debris Burning

Debris burning in Oregon is regulated by state laws and local fire district rules. This document provides an overview of requirements for safe and legal debris burning.

Permits

• Contact your local fire district to determine if a permit is required for debris burning. Some areas require permits for pile burning.
• Permits from the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) are required for slash burning. Agricultural burning also requires ODF permits.
• Burning without required permits may result in fines or other penalties.

Allowed Materials

• Only vegetation and woody natural materials from the property may be burned. This includes grass, leaves, needles, brush, and untreated wood.
• Burning of prohibited materials like garbage, plastics, rubber, petroleum products, and chemically treated materials is unlawful.

Pile Requirements

• Piles must be less than 10 ft x 10 ft x 10 ft in size and at least 50 feet from structures.
• Piles should be free of dirt and dried prior to burning.
• Only 2 piles may be burned at once if space allows.

Safety

• Fires must be attended at all times by an alert adult with adequate fire suppression tools.
• Adequate water and hand tools must be close by to extinguish the fire if needed.
• Burning must cease if winds exceed 10 mph or other weather conditions worsen.
• Fires must be fully extinguished by sunset or if smoke creates a hazard.

Air Quality

• Burning is only allowed on designated burn days. Contact your local fire district for updates.
• Smoke that impairs visibility on roadways or causes a health hazard is prohibited.
• DEQ may restrict burning during air quality advisories.

By following these terms and conditions, debris burning can be conducted safely and in compliance with Oregon laws. Failure to comply may result in civil penalties. 

Please burn responsibly.