Wildfire risk prompts Umatilla Co. Commissioners to expedite burn ban
By Griffin Beach on Wednesday, June 17th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – Facing dry conditions and a rash of wildfires over the past week, the Umatilla County Board of Commissioners voted Wednesday to expedite a temporary burn ban, moving the start time up to Thursday at noon.
The original proposal in Wednesday’s meeting materials scheduled the ban to take effect July 1, but commissioners took up the suggestion to begin it as soon as possible
The vote was unanimous. Commissioner Dan Dorran seconded the motion with what he called a “strong endorsement”. The temporary ban applies to all open, non-agricultural burning within unincorporated areas of the county under the board’s jurisdiction. It does not include areas protected by a rural fire protection district, or any land under state or federal jurisdiction.
Photo of firefighter at Tuesday fire off Alpine Dr. and East Punkin Center in Hermiston, courtesy of Umatilla County Fire District No. 1.
