The spring outdoor burning season is temporarily suspended due to high fire danger, starting Thursday morning, May 9th, 2019 for one week.
The Lane Fire Defense Board and Oregon Department of Forestry decided to temporarily ban outdoor burning activities in Lane County. Hotter temperatures and high winds contribute to increased fire danger risk.
The season could open back up on Thursday May 16th, if the area receives more rain. If the fire danger continues, burning may be prohibited until the fall burning season.
“The Lane Fire Defense Board will assess the temporary suspension next week if weather conditions improve,” said Lane Regional Air Protection Agency spokesperson, Jo Niehaus. “It is dangerous to burn when it has been this dry with the added risk of hot weather and strong winds.”
Typically, outdoor burning season lasts until early to mid-June and open for Fall burning in October. However, high risk of fire danger has affected these dates in the past.
The Lane Regional Air Protection Agency reminds residents that violation of outdoor burning rules can result in stiff fines for both air quality and fire risk.
Residents can explore alternative options to burning. They can dispose of woody yard debris for a minimal charge at one of Lane County’s various collection depots. Chipping and composting are also alternative options to burning.
For information about the Lane County Fire Defense Board decision and fire danger, please contact Lane Fire Defense Board’s Chief Chad Minter at 541-686-1573.
For more information about local air quality, visit www.lrapa.org or call LRAPA at (541) 736-1056 or find us on Facebook and Twitter @LaneRegionalAir.