Corvallis, OR Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Corvallis, OR, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Authority
- Corvallis Fire Chief, Section 7.08.190
- Trigger to halt a fire
- offensive or objectionable smoke/odor
- Covered devices
- BBQ grill/pit, chimney, incinerator, outdoor fireplace
- Camping-permit areas
- fires barred outright under lodging permits
- Open burning penalty
- $150 to $400 civil fine
Summary
Corvallis Municipal Code Section 7.08.190 lets the Fire Chief order a halt to any barbecue grill, fire pit, chimney, incinerator, outdoor fireplace, or other open-flame use that generates offensive or objectionable smoke or odor, on top of the fire code's existing open-burning and recreational-fire rules.
307.3.1 Expanded extinguishment authority. In addition to those controlled fire activities identified within the fire code definition of open burning and recreational fires, the Fire Chief is authorized to order cessation of those burning activities which generate offensive or objectionable smoke or odor emissions, including those activities regulated by Section 308 - Open Flames. Examples of controlled smoke/odor activities include, but are not limited to: use of barbecue grill or pit, chimney, open flame cooking device, incinerator, outdoor fireplace, and similar warming fires. ("Open Burning" means the burning of materials in such a manner that smoke (the product of combustion) is released directly into the air without going through a flue, stack or chimney).
Full Breakdown
Section 7.08.190 adds 307.3.1 Expanded Extinguishment Authority to the Corvallis Fire Code. Beyond the burning activities already covered by the fire code's definitions of open burning and recreational fires, and beyond the open-flame rules in Section 308, the Fire Chief can order the cessation of any burning activity generating offensive or objectionable smoke or odor. The code lists barbecue grills or pits, chimneys, open flame cooking devices, incinerators, outdoor fireplaces, and similar warming fires as examples of activities the Fire Chief can shut down on smoke or odor grounds alone, without needing to show any other code violation.
The same section adds 307.1.01 Temporary Lodging, barring fires in any area covered by a temporary lodging or camping permit issued under Section 5.03.080.080.4. In practice this means a backyard or patio fire pit is not banned outright in Corvallis, but neighbors' smoke or odor complaints alone give the Fire Chief legal grounds to order it stopped, whether or not the fire otherwise complies with open-burning rules.
Violations & Fines
Open burning in violation of OFC Section 307, including a fire pit or recreational fire the Fire Chief has ordered stopped, carries a civil penalty of $150 to $400 under Fire Code Section 110.4.8.2(p). Continued defiance of a cessation order is otherwise a Class C Misdemeanor under Section 110.4.1, punishable by a fine of up to $500, up to 30 days in jail, or both, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Corvallis order me to put out my backyard fire pit?
Does a neighbor's odor complaint alone justify shutting down my fire pit?
Are fires allowed in Corvallis camping or temporary lodging areas?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Corvallis
How Corvallis compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Corvallis to another location·View the Oregon fire regulations overview
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