Baker City to lift burn ban beginning Sept. 11th
By Logan Bagett on Thursday, September 10th, 2026 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
BAKER CITY — Fire Chief Michael Carlson has issued a press release, stating the burn ban in Baker City will be lifted beginning at midnight this Friday, September 11th. Remember, residents must have a Baker City burn permit before using burn barrels or having debris fires. Obtain permits at www.bakercity.gov, or stop by the fire station in Baker City. Read the Chief’s full press release below:
(From Baker City Fire Chief Michael Carlson)
The Baker City Fire Department will be LIFTING the Burn Ban for the City of Baker City and the city’s Wildland Urban Interface area starting at midnight on September 11, 2026. Our partnering agencies have decreased their wildfire threat level to HIGH.
The predicted weather forecast from the National Weather Service stations at Boise, Idaho, and Pendleton, Oregon, is for cooler temperatures with an increase in rain for the weekend.
The Fire Department would like to remind residents that there are rules and requirements to be followed to conduct any burning within City limits. The FIRST is that a resident must obtain a Burn Permit. This can be done online at the City of Baker City website at www.bakercity.gov. or from the Baker City Fire Station, located at 1616 2nd Street. All City Burn Permits expire on December 31 of the year of issue.
All the rules and requirements to conduct a burn within city limits can be found on the burn permit. A resident can have their burn permit revoked for failure to follow the instructions or be cited under the City Ordinance Code 10.99, under which a fine of not more than $500 may be imposed if convicted.
Please be aware that Baker County is still under a Burn Ban, and BLM, USFS, and ODF protected lands are under restrictions for the threat level as well. Please check with those agencies to see what the latest restrictions are if you are planning any camping adventures.
Even though the burn ban is being lifted within city limits, there is a possibility of short-term Red Flag conditions to exist. If future fire weather forecasts indicate a potential for a sustained wildfire threat, the burn ban may be reimposed.
Please check the Baker City Fire Department and City of Baker City websites and social media sites for the current conditions and any updates. If you are unsure of the current fire conditions, please feel free to call the Baker City Fire Department (541) 523-3711, or your local fire department/district (if outside Baker City limits).
Michael S Carlson
Fire Chief
