Vancouver
Due to high temperatures and windy conditions, Vancouver Fire Marshal Heidi Scarpelli has issued a total recreational burning ban, effective July 26, for the City of Vancouver.
All outdoor burning including recreational fires are prohibited within the City of Vancouver beginning, July 26, 2018 at 12:01 a.m.. This ban is based on weather conditions and community fire safety needs. It will remain in effect until weather and fire danger conditions improve.
Recreational fires, campfires and fires in outdoor fireplaces or chimney-type devices are not allowed during this recreational burning ban. Citations may be issued to those who violate the recreational burning ban.
Cooking outdoors in approved propane or charcoal barbecues is allowed during this total burning ban.
An update will be provided when the recreational burn ban is lifted.
Clackamas
Clackamas Fire District #1 fire officials in coordination with the Oregon Department of Forestry have issued a total outdoor burn ban for all areas within the Fire District and moved the fire danger level to EXTREME, beginning Wednesday, July 25, 2017 at 12:00 p.m.
The burn ban was issued due to high temperatures, extremely dry conditions, and lack of any recent rainfall. “The Fire District will likely stay in a total burn ban until the end of fire season and conditions change,” said Deputy Chief Doug Whiteley.
The ban includes no outdoor fires of any kind, such as recreational campfires, fire pits, yard debris, and agricultural burning.
Residents living in rural areas are encouraged to takes steps to protect their homes and structures by maintaining defensible space from any vegetation. Additionally, they should ensure adequate access on their property for firefighting equipment.
Unlawful outdoor fires during a declared fire district-wide burn ban are deemed a hazard to public safety and could result in a Fire District response, fire extinguishment, and invoicing of cost recovery fees for Fire District actions taken. Smokers should ensure cigarettes are completely extinguished and thrown away in proper receptacles.
For more information, people can call Clackamas Fire District #1’s Fire Prevention Office at 503.742.2660 or visit our website at www.clackamasfire.com.
Marion County
The Marion County Fire Defense Board in cooperation with the Oregon Department of Forestry has issued a county-wide burn ban effective, July 24, 2018 due to forecasted high temperatures, limited rainfall and ongoing dry conditions.
Oregon Department of Forestry has moved to Extreme Fire Danger and IFPL 3.
The burn ban includes recreational campfires, fire pits, yard debris, agricultural burning and permits issued for open burning until further notice. Check with your local Fire Department/District for more information. For the most current information, please call the Burn Information Line at (877) 982-0011.
Restrictions include:
- All campfires, warming fires, cooking fires and the use of charcoal briquettes are prohibited. Contact your local fire agency for special situations.
- Campers are permitted to use portable cooking stoves with liquefied or bottled fuels only that can be turned off with a valve.•Backyard burning (yard debris, etc.)
- Agricultural burning, regulated through Department of Agriculture, contact your local fire agency for special situations.
- Land clearing or slash burning.
Recreational fires, including:
- Backyard fire pits
- Outdoor fireplaces and portable fireplaces (Chimineas, etc.)
Oregon State Parks
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) has lifted the ban on campfires and open flames in parks along the coast effective July 25.
The campfire and open flame ban remains in effect for the ocean beaches and all other state park properties managed by OPRD. It applies to wood, charcoal and other sources that cannot be “turned off” with a valve. The ban includes campgrounds and day-use areas.
Flame sources that are operated by a valve are exempt from the ban. However, valve-operated propane fire pits are allowed in coastal parks and on beaches only. Propane fire pit use is banned in all other state park properties.
The extended campfire ban is expected to last at least one week, but will be evaluated based on weather, resource conditions and input from Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and other state and local fire officials.
The ban was extended because of the continued hot, dry conditions and the high number of wildfires still burning throughout the state.
Visitors planning a trip to a state park should check for up-to-date information about fire restrictions at http://bit.ly/2uLzdwY or by calling the state parks info line at 800-551-6949.
Mt. Hood National Forest
Due to very dry and hot weather conditions on the Mt. Hood National Forest, officials issued public use fire restrictions on Tuesday, July 24, 2018.
All campfires are now prohibited across the Mt. Hood National Forest, including developed campgrounds. Target shooting, ATV use, and smoking outside enclosed buildings or vehicles are prohibited on National Forest lands encompassing the entire Mt. Hood National Forest until these restrictions are lifted.
OHV use will be prohibited in the McCubbins, La Dee, and Rock Creek OHV areas.
Under these public use fire restrictions the following acts are prohibited on the Mt. Hood National Forest:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or charcoal fire. Portable cooking stoves and lanterns using liquefied or bottled fuel are permissible.
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed campground or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter, which is barren and cleared of all flammable material.
- Operating a generator without spark arresting device.
- Operating a chainsaw for personal fire wood collection
- Possessing or using motorized vehicles (Motorcycles, ATVs, OHVs, etc.) on National Forest system trails.
- Target Shooting
Forest Service crews have extinguished over 60 abandoned campfires across the Forest and have responded to multiple human caused wildfires so far this summer. With the current hot, dry conditions any wildfire start poses a greater threat to firefighter safety, public safety, and personal property. If a wildfire were to escape initial attack it has the potential to spread rapidly in these conditions.
“We know campfires are a big part of camping, but this year is unusually hot and dry so we all need to do our part to ensure the safety of the public,” said Forest Supervisor Richard Periman. “With these kinds of conditions any fire can become a big problem fast, putting lives and property at risk.”
For the full text of the Forest Order visit our Orders Page on the Mt. Hood National Forest website. You may also contact a Ranger District Visitor Information Center with questions. For updates and news about the Mt. Hood National Forest visit our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Individuals starting fires will be held responsible for the costs of property damage and firefighting efforts as well as criminal charges of any possible loss of life. The Mt. Hood National Forest asks visitors to please follow these rules to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment.