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Fire Department

Outdoor Burning

Summer burn ban in effect for all areas of Multnomah County

The burn ban includes:

  • Backyard burning 
  • Recreational campfires and fire pits 
  • Agricultural burning
  • Burning with a permit, including agricultural wastes, field burning, and any previously permitted open burning such as land clearing, slash, stump, or debris burning. 

The City and Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) govern all outdoor burning.

Violation of burning and air quality regulations may be subject to citation or fines from the City and DEQ.

Property owners may be held liable for firefighting costs or damage to neighboring property or structures because of unsafe burning practices.

Contact

  • To report illegal or unsafe burning, call 503-823-3333.
  • For smoke or nuisance-related complaints, call 503-618-2355.
  • East Multnomah County burn line: 503-618-3083

Safety reminders

  • Maintain at least 10 feet between any outdoor cooking and combustible materials (e.g., structures, fences, shrubs). 
  • Citizens that smoke must ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished before discarding them in a metal container away from combustibles. 
  • Rural property owners are urged to maintain wildfire defensible space around structures, reduce dry vegetation, and ensure emergency vehicle access. 
  • Every year fireworks ignite hundreds of fires in Oregon. Fires on roofs, in shrubs and bark dust and on decks are common and can cause damage to your home and injury to your family.

Backyard burning is not allowed in Gresham

  • Gresham no longer allows backyard burning without a permit. 
  • This includes all houses and properties within Gresham city limits.
  • If your property is larger than 1 acre, you can apply for an open burn permit. 

Backyard burning alternatives

Backyard burning is only recommended for those without the ability to dispose of yard debris in another way.

While backyard burning is allowed on certain days, it negatively impacts air quality and can be harmful to sensitive populations, including children, the elderly and people with asthma. 

The City's yard debris collection program offers weekly pickup of leaves and branches four inches or less in diameter. Read more about the City's recycling resources for information on yard debris.

Other disposal options