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Backyard and Agricultural (Outdoor) Burning
Backyard and Agricultural (Outdoor) burning is closed in early Summer. It resumes when rain returns consistently in mid to late Fall.
Start your fires early in the day so that they are out by dark and always check to make sure burning is allowed. Predicted wind speed and local air quality are typically the deciding factors on whether or not it’s a burn day.
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If the weather forecast is wrong and/or our message says it’s ok to burn but it’s windy out, please do us a favor and wait for a safer day.
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Oregon State-Owned Land (Beaches)
No open fires (no charcoal or wood fires) are allowed on State-owned land. This includes game reserve lands and public beaches on Sauvie Island. Only propane BBQ are permitted if used in a safe manner.
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Recreational Fires
Please follow the guidelines and rules listed below for Recreational Fires:
Recreational Fires are defined as burning clean, dry, cord-type firewood in a standard campfire-type setting. Recreational fires must be built in a pit, rock circle, or metal receptacle made for this purpose. The fire must not be larger than a standard campfire, less than three feet in diameter, with the pile less than two feet in height.
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Cooking with standard barbecue equipment (propane, charcoal briquets, wood pellets) – no limitations.
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Outdoor fires for ceremonies, large gatherings, institutions, camps, or retreat centers – a permit from Sauvie Island Fire District must be obtained. Please call 503-621-1242 and leave a message. Someone will call you back as soon as possible for an inspection and written permit.
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A recreational fire located in a pit shall be at least 25 feet from any structures or combustible fencing. Fires contained in fireplace type receptacles, including chimineas, shall be no less than 15 feet from a structure, or the approved distance listed in the manufacturer’s directions, whichever is less.
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Outdoor burning devices equipped with a spark arrester shall not have the arrester modified in any way.
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A responsible person shall be in attendance at all times and have approved fire extinguishing equipment (garden hose, water bucket, shovel, fire extinguisher, etc.) close at hand.
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The smoke from the fire must not be of a noxious quality or quantity that causes complaints from neighbors.
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No garbage, construction debris, or similar material is to be burned in these fires. Repeat offenders will be referred to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
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Observe common safety practices while enjoying recreational fires. Cease burning if the wind picks up to 10 mph or higher. Be careful and watch out for small children in the vicinity.
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Please be sure the fire is completely out if it can no longer be attended to.
Sauvie Island Fire District may require the extinguishment of any outdoor fire if safety rules are being violated. In the summer months, there may be a Statewide ban on burning. Outdoor burning (BBQs are exempt) is prohibited during an Open Burning Ban. If you have questions please call 503-621-1242 and leave a message. Someone will call you back as soon as possible. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
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Open Burning Regulations ​
Smoke from the burning of the materials listed below is especially hazardous to people's health and the environment. These materials can never be open-burned:
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Wet garbage
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Plastic
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Asbestos
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Wire insulation
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Automobile parts
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Asphalt
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Petroleum treated materials
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Painted wood and wood treated with creosote or pentachlorophenol
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Rubber products including tires
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Animal remains
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Animal or vegetable matter resulting from the handling, preparation, cooking or service of food
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Any other material that emits dense smoke or noxious odors
Link to DEQ Open Outdoor Burning Information
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