Malheur County burn ban goes into effect Monday, 6/12
By Logan Bagett on Thursday, June 11th, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
MALHEUR COUNTY — A county-wide burn ban will go into effect on Friday, June 12th for Malheur County. Vale Fire and Ambulance reports, “The burn ban is being implemented to help reduce the risk of wildfires and protect our communities, firefighters, agricultural resources, and public lands. Residents are encouraged to take extra precautions and avoid any activities that could spark a fire.”
The agency also issued the following reminders:
- No open burning during the burn ban period
- Properly dispose of cigarettes and smoking materials
- Avoid parking vehicles on dry grass
- Use caution with equipment that may create sparks
Vale Fire and Rescue reports those in violation could be subject to fines and other penalties.
Ontario Fire & Rescue Chief Clint Benson issued a press release regarding the City of Ontario and the Ontario Rural Fire District burn ban:
(From Ontario Fire Chief Clint Benson)
In accordance with the Ontario, Oregon Code of Ordinances, Title 5, Chapter 3, Section 3(H):
Effective June 12, 2026, until September 30, 2026, outdoor burning of all substances, inclusive of burning in a burn barrel, within the City of Ontario is prohibited.
Allowable restricted outdoor burning includes:
1. Permitted agricultural burns (for planting and harvesting of agricultural crops), with restrictions listed within burn permits (temperature not exceeding 90 degrees, wind not exceeding 15 mph, water source on site, personnel on site during burning periods, and burning taking place during daylight hours).
2. Firefighter training.
3. Public utility, natural gas pipeline, or mining operations.
4. Cooking food exclusively within a contained gas or charcoal grill.
5. Small fires used exclusively for cooking food.
People starting fires in violation of the burn ban, or lighting fireworks that are illegal in Oregon, that result in a fire department response may be held liable for reimbursing the City of Ontario for the costs of suppression and may be held liable for damage to private property that results from fire spread.
Dated this 10th day of June 2026.
*****
Effective June 12, 2026, until September 30, 2026, outdoor burning of all substances, inclusive of burning in a burn barrel, within the Ontario Rural Fire Protection District is prohibited.
Allowable restricted outdoor burning includes:
1. Permitted agricultural burns (for planting and harvesting of agricultural crops), with restrictions listed within burn permits (temperature not exceeding 90 degrees, wind not exceeding 15 mph, water source on site, personnel on site during burning periods, and burning taking place during daylight hours).
2. Firefighter training.
3. Public utility, natural gas pipeline, or mining operations.
4. Cooking food exclusively within a contained gas or charcoal grill.
5. Small fires used exclusively for cooking food.
People starting fires in violation of the burn ban, or lighting fireworks that are illegal in Oregon, that result in a fire district response may be held liable for reimbursing the fire district for the costs of suppression and may be held liable for damage to private property that results from fire spread.
Dated this 13th day of June 2026.
