Burn Days
Burn days are determined based on parameters set by Oregon's Air Quality Index - State, County and City regulations and are not a judgement call of our city fire department. Seasonal burning is ONLY allowed on “Green Days” during the period October 1 through June 14. These days are able to be extended by the Fire Marshal based on current weather conditions so always check the Daily Burn Forecast page or call 541-966-0327 after 8:30am for the most up to date information.
Burning is prohibited on yellow and red days and is enforceable by DEQ and city ordinance.
Burning during a "Green Day" is revokable if a nuisance complaint is made to 911 or to the Fire Department. It is against the law to construct any open burning that:
- Unreasonably interferes with the enjoyment of life or property.
- Creates a public nuisance.
- It is a hazard to public safety.
Open burning is any burning outdoors not being conducted in an approved recreational fire pit and is limited to piles of allowed yard debris generated from that property.
Allowed yard debris must be DRY: leaves, limbs, brush, tumble weeds or other natural material actually generated around a dwelling of four or fewer family living units.
Burn Barrels
Burn barrels are prohibited inside the city limits of Pendleton.
If your home is located in one of our CONTRACTED FIRE DISTRICTS, burning is allowed in Burn Barrels year-round provided it is a "Green" burn day. You are required to follow the City of Pendleton burn line information during the period of October 1 to June 14 and comply with burning only on "Green Days." Please view the Daily Burn Forecast page or call 541-966-0327 after 8:30am. During the period when the City of Pendleton burn season is closed, from June 14 through September 30, you are required to follow the Umatilla County Burn Regulations and burn only on "Green Days". Umatilla County Burn Line at 541-278-6397 or visit Umatilla County Burn Info
Burning Safety Rules
- Burn piles are limited to 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height and must be 25’ from structures, shrubs, dry grass, etc.
- Open burning or recreational fires shall be constantly attended by an adult (18years or older) until the fire is extinguished.
- Every fire must have an approved means to be extinguished near the fire at all times. An approved means is a garden hose attached to a charged water supply, located at the edge of the burn pile or an adequately sized extinguisher.
- All fires must be DEAD OUT by dark.
Prohibited Materials
DEQ regulations prohibit open burning of the following materials at any time, anywhere in Oregon.
- ANY Garbage
- Rubber Products
- Plastic
- Petroleum and Petroleum Treated Products
- Hazardous Waste
- Tires
- Treated Lumber
- Wire Insulation
- Automotive Parts
- Animal Remains
- Wet Yard Debris
- ANY materials that emit dense black smoke or noxious odors.
Regardless of the circumstances, you are responsible for your fire and any damage caused by your fire. Please be courteous to your neighbors and respect their rights. Be aware of your smoke.
Residential Recreational Fires
- Must be located in approved outdoor fire pits.
- Must burn only approved fuels.
- Are allowed year-round provided they do not create a public nuisance or health hazard.
Permit Types
Commercial Burn Permit
Commercial or Construction burning requires a permit from Pendleton Fire & Ambulance and Oregon DEQ 541-278-4626. (Commercial waste is any combustible waste that is not generated on residential property (four-plex or less) or is transported to another site.)
Blasting Permit
Blasting permits are required for the notification of the 911 system and ensuring a safe discharge perimeter.
Burning stumps, field burns, and bonfires require special permits from the Pendleton Fire Department.
Special Events Permit
Fires for special events are allowed on a case-by-case basis. This includes:
- Bon Fires
- Stumps
- Field burns
- Special Event Burn Permit (PDF)
Contact
Contact the Pendleton Fire Department at pendletonfire [at] pendletonor.gov (pendletonfire[at]pendletonor[dot]gov) or call 541-276-1442 for more information.
Additional Resources
For more information, the Oregon State Fire Marshal has shared additional resources. You can find them below or at https://oregondefensiblespace.org/