When is burning season?

• No burning is permitted from June 1st to September 30th
• Restricted open burning from October 1 to May 31 is allowed only during burn days regulated by Umatilla County. Click here for Current Umatilla County Burn Information.

Burn Policy does not apply to:

• Barbecue type equipment
• Recreational burning, cooking fires no larger than 3′ x 3′
• Ceremonial Fires (Special Permit Needed)
• Agricultural burns – field burning 2 acres or more, and ditch burning for removal of weeds. (Must follow Umatilla County agriculture burn rules)

Nuisance or hazardous fires are prohibited.

Open burning of construction, demolition and commercial waste within the City of Hermiston and within a three (3) mile radius of the City of Hermiston requires an open burn letter from Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) and the Umatilla County Fire District #1 (UCFD1). Once domestic waste is removed from the property of its origin, it becomes commercial waste and permits from ODEQ and UCFD1 are required.

All unconfined burning piles shall be located so as to provide a safety area around any fire. The location for open burning of burn piles 3 feet in diameter or less and 2 feet in height or less shall not be less than 25 feet from any structure, and provisions shall be made to prevent the fire from spreading to within 25 feet of any structure. The location for open burning of piles larger than 3 feet in diameter shall not be less than 50 feet (15.24 m) from any structure, and provisions shall be made to prevent the fire from spreading to within 50 feet of any structure.

Ceremonial Fires

Groups or organizations must have site inspected and permission granted before a ceremonial fire. All rules for unconfined burning piles shall apply.

Cooking Fires and Recreational Fires

Cooking Fires and Recreational fires shall be no larger than 3 x 3feet. All rules for burning shall apply. Cooking Fires larger than 3 x 3 feet are allowed only after permission is granted by Umatilla County Fire District #1.

Violation of Burn policy

ORS 478.965 allows the fire district to recover costs of suppressing unlawful fires and attorney fees. Violation of the UCFD #1 Burn Policy may be punishable by a fine not to exceed $250.00 or the cost of reimbursement for apparatus and personnel, which ever is greater.