This number provides daily burn information - 503.472.3344

Always call for daily approval prior to conducting burning operations. Please call after 8:30 a.m. and after 1 p.m. to receive the most accurate and up-to-date burn information.

Q:Who does backyard burning apply to?
A:All residents burning at a private home within McMinnville Fire District, regardless of whether or not they are located within the city limits.

Q:What is acceptable to burn?
A:Yard Debris - Includes wood, needle or leaf materials from trees, shrubs or plants from the real property immediately adjacent to a dwelling of not more than four family living units.

Q: What is illegal to burn?
A:Burning the following materials is illegal at any time:

• Asbestos
• Asphalt or industrial waste
• Automotive parts (including frames)
• Dead animals
• Plastic
• Rubber Products
• Tires
• Waste oil, petroleum treated and related materials
• Wet garbage and food waste
• Any material creating dense smoke or noxious odors

Q:  Are there alternatives to burning?
A: Yes, below are some possible alternatives:

• Recycle paper products whenever possible.
• Dispose of waste at your local landfill rather than burn it.
• Compost yard debris and kitchen scraps.
• Reuse old lumber whenever possible.
• Buy a chipper and use chips for mulch and compost.
• Work with neighbors to organize a neighborhood cleanup day.
• Take hazardous materials, including oil-based paints, solvents, garden chemicals and car fluids to a hazardous waste collection site. Burning these materials is illegal and extremely dangerous.

Q: Can I do anything to reduce the impact of smoke if I choose to burn?
A: Yes, using the following good burning practices will promote efficient burning and prevent excessive smoke:

• Assure that all combustible material is dried to the extent practicable. This includes covering the combustible material when practicable to protect the material from moisture including precipitation or dew.
• Loosely stack or windrow the combustible material to eliminate dirt, rocks or other noncombustible material and to promote an adequate air supply to the burning pile.
• Periodically restack or feed the burning pile to ensure that combustion is robust and completed efficiently.

Q:When is backyard burning allowed? 
A:Please note, even during the designated burning season, it is necessary to phone the burn number each day to confirm that burning is allowed by DEQ that particular day.

Backyard Burning Seasons
March 1 through June 15
October 1 through December 15