The Central Oregon Fire Chiefs Association (COFCA) is closing open debris burning for residential and private lands across the tri-county region in Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson Counties. Burning debris piles on many private lands will not be allowed after sunset on May 31, 2022, as the area is still in extreme drought and heading into the summer wildland fire season.
“The Central Oregon Fire Chiefs met and many have chosen a closing date of May 31st to avoid escaped residential debris burns on private lands”, said COFCA Vice Chair Matt Smith, Fire Chief for Crook County Fire & Rescue.
The Central Oregon Fire Chiefs Association strongly urges residents to create defensible space on their property. Until the burn season opens again in the fall, options include chipping the debris, hauling it to a local landfill or transfer site, or pile and cover it until fall.
Residents should contact their local fire protection agencies for additional burning information and regulations.All Central Oregon fire departments and rural fire districts will continue to monitor weather and fuel moisture conditions in their districts and may make modifications on a day-to-day basis. Please call your local outdoor burning information line for current conditions. Fire agencies anticipate the opening of burn season again in late fall. Links to Central Oregon fire agency web pages can be found HERE.