Union County Ends Regulated Use Fire Season for 2022
By Garrett Christensen on Monday, October 10th, 2022 in Featured Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – The Union County Regulated Use Fire Season has ended for 2022 as specified by county ordinance. The county ordinance is applicable to land outside of city limits in Union County and may be read in entirety at www.union-county.org/emergency-services. While burning restrictions have eased, conditions in Union County remain unseasonably warm and dry, so landowners must use extreme caution with any fire use until cooler weather and precipitation returns to the region. Escaped fires cause extensive damage and put firefighters at unnecessary risk every year, in some cases burning homes and diverting emergency response resources from other emergency calls. Emergency Manager Nick Vora reminds landowners regarding fire, “When it comes to open burning, just because you can now doesn’t mean you should. Landowners need to pay close attention to conditions and waiting for ample moisture prior to burning is valuable insurance.”
The use of burn barrels, improved fire pits and fire appliances are allowed without a permit but must meet the siting requirements listed in the ordinance. Burn permits are required for any open burning outside city limits and burning inside city limits is subject to that city’s regulations. To obtain a permit, call the smoke management center at (541) 963-4040 for the recorded message describing daily burn conditions. On days burning is allowed, fires must be attended at all times by a responsible person equipped with a shovel and water sufficient to suppress any accidental ignitions. Burn barrels must be in good condition with a heavy metal screen placed on top of the barrel and not be placed within 25 feet of any structure.
Individuals located in areas of dual protection of the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) will be required to follow ODF restrictions currently in effect. Forest visitors are encouraged to stay up to date on the latest orders and regulations in Northeast Oregon by visiting the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center website at www.bmidc.org/restrictions/shtml.
