Burn Permits

Valorie Tomren Assistant Chief / Fire Marshal (541) 276-1442

Burn Days

Seasonal open burning is allowed on “Green Days” during the period October 1 through May 31, weather permitting. Open burning, excluding burn barrels in the Fire Districts, is prohibited from June 1 through September 30.

Check the Daily Burn Forecast or call 541-966-0327 after 8:30am.

Open burning is any burning outdoors including burn barrels, backyard burning, and piles of yard debris generated from that property. Burning stumps, field burns, burning trash, commercial waste, demolition waste, construction debris, and bonfires require special permits from the Pendleton Fire Department at no charge.

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.

Summary of Open Burning Regulations (PDF)

Burning Safety Rules

Burn piles are limited to three feet (3’) in diameter and must be 25’ from structures, shrubs, dry grass, etc.
Fire must be constantly attended by a responsible person 16 years old or older.
Must have water available to the fire at all times. Typically, a garden hose attached to a water supply that will reach the burn pile.
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.

Rubber Products
Plastic
Wet Garbage
Petroleum and Petroleum Treated Products
Industrial Waste
Tires
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 respect their rights, and be aware of your smoke.

Permit Types

Domestic Waste

Burn Permits are not required for domestic waste. Domestic waste includes yard debris such as leaves, limbs, brush or other natural material actually generated around a dwelling of four or fewer family living units. The combustible waste must be burned on the property on which it was generated. Household garbage, plastic, diapers, rubber products, and recyclable materials cannot be burned.

Commercial, Construction, or Demolition Waste

Any combustible waste that is not generated on residential property (four-plex or less) or is transported to another site is considered commercial waste and requires a permit from Pendleton Fire & Ambulance and Oregon DEQ 541-278-4626. Construction and demolition waste also requires a permit from Pendleton Fire & Ambulance and Oregon DEQ.

Special Events

Fires for special events are allowed on a case-by-case basis. This includes bon fires and fires after dark. Contact the Pendleton Fire at pendletonfire@ci.pendleton.or.us or call 541-276-1442 for more information.

Special Event Burn Permit (PDF)

Burn Barrels

Burn barrels are prohibited inside the city limits of Pendleton. Burn barrels are allowed in the fire districts and can be used year-round but can only be used on “Green Days”. When the Pendleton burn season is closed please refer to the Umatilla County Burn Line at 541-278-6397 (During the open burning season use the City Burn Line at 541-966-0327) or visit Umatilla County Burn Info.

Defensible Space for Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Fires

We want to remind you to take care of your property and protect it from embers during the dry season..

Move woodpiles and debris away from your hose

Clean gutters. and roofs

Clean and Protect under your decks.

For more information, the Oregon State Fire Marshal has shared additional resources. You can find them below or at https://oregondefensiblespace.org/