Burning Guidelines

Backyard Burning Seasons:

  • March 1 through June 15                                                                                                                                                   
  • October 1 through December 15

This number provides daily burn information (503) 472-3344   

Or you may click the link below to see the Willamette Valley Open Burn Announcement

 

FIRE WEATHER WATCH AND RED FLAG WARNINGS:

When the State issues Fire Weather Watch or Red Flag Warnings due to dangerous fire conditions ALL open burning is prohibited. Including Camp fires, Portable propane/Patio Fire Places and Charcoal BBQ’s. Citations may be issued.

   
For all burning questions, please refer to our Burning Guidelines handout.
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.

Are there alternatives to burning?

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.
Category: Burning Guidelines
Can I do anything to reduce the impact of smoke if I choose to burn?

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 practical. This includes covering the combustible material when practical 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 re-stack or feed the burning pile to ensure that combustion is robust and completed efficiently.
Category: Burning Guidelines
What is acceptable to burn?

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.

Category: Burning Guidelines
What is illegal to burn?

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
Category: Burning Guidelines
When is backyard burning allowed?

Please note, even during the designated burning season, it is necessary to call the burn number (503-472-3344) 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

Category: Burning Guidelines
Who does backyard burning apply to?

All residents burning at a private home within McMinnville Fire District, regardless of whether or not they are located within the city limits.

Category: Burning Guidelines

Supporting Documents

PDF icon Burning Guideliness Pamphlet (198 KB)

Web Links

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