The Lane Fire Defense Board and Oregon Department of Forestry have extended the spring outdoor burning ban in Lane County through Friday, April 23, as fire danger remains elevated across the region. The season is expected to reopen Saturday, April 24.
Much-needed rainfall is expected to return this weekend with the arrival of a storm system from the Pacific Ocean. However, the potential for strong winds ahead of the storm’s arrival warrants an extension of the burn ban, officials said.
“The ban over the last week helped mitigate our fire danger, but fires still appeared in the county anyway,” said Travis Knudsen, spokesman for the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency. “Until the weather conditions help lower the fire risk, we must modify our behavior to reduce the potential for fire.”
Removing yard debris accumulated during the winter is an important fire defense measure. Alternatives to burning yard debris are available to residents, such as disposing the woody material at one of Lane County’s various collection depots. Chipping and composting are other alternatives, Knudsen said.
Violations of outdoor burning rules can result in stiff fines for both air quality and fire risk.
Knudsen said Lane County residents should always check LRAPA’s outdoor burning advisory prior to burning. Visit LRAPA’s website or call 541-726-3976.
In the city of Oakridge, outdoor burning permits are required. The permit form is available online here.
