City of Wallowa Lowers Fire Danger Level to Moderate, Updates Burning Restrictions

By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Thursday, September 17th, 2026 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories

WALLOWA – The City of Wallowa has issued a notice, updating the local fire danger level to MODERATE.

Under the updated classification, backyard campfires and burn barrels are now permitted within city limits. However, burning debris piles remains strictly prohibited.

Burn Barrel Rules and Restrictions

Burn barrels are subject to strict operational limits and material restrictions:

Hours: Burn barrel usage is restricted to the hours between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
Prohibited Items: In accordance with Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regulations and Wallowa Ordinance 347-17, the following items may not be burned in open fires or burn barrels: rubbish, household garbage, food waste, packaging, animal carcasses, paint, painted materials, furniture, composition shingles, waste oil, asphalt, plastic, rubber, asbestos, and auto parts.

Enforcement Protocol

City officials outlined a three-tier enforcement policy for ordinance violations:

First Offense: A courtesy visit from the Fire Chief or Mayor.
Second Offense: A formal written violation notice.
Subsequent Offenses: Revocation of fire privileges.

Copies of Ordinance 347-17 are available online or at Wallowa City Hall.