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Multnomah County, OR Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Fire pit rules in Multnomah County, OR, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.

Key Facts

Governing sections
MCC §§ 21.450-21.458
Ban trigger
Red day air quality advisory
3rd violation
$250 civil penalty
4th+ violation
$500 civil penalty
Enforcer
Multnomah County Health Department

Summary

Multnomah County bans operating fire pits and other wood burning devices during red day air quality advisories under MCC § 21.453, with exemptions for sole heat sources, low-income households, and utility emergencies.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Multnomah County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Unless exempted from complying with this subchapter or otherwise allowed by state law, no person shall operate a wood burning device or permit recreational burning during a red day air quality advisory.

Source: Municode LibraryView official code

Full Breakdown

Multnomah County's Health Department regulates wood burning devices -- fireplaces, wood stoves, and firepits alike -- under the air quality rules at MCC §§ 21.450 to 21.458. Once the county issues a red day air quality advisory, operating a wood burning device or recreational fire is prohibited unless you qualify for an exemption: the device is your sole heat source, your household is low income, or a utility/power/gas emergency is underway. A yellow day advisory only draws a caution, not a ban. The rule applies countywide, including inside Portland, since the subchapter carries no unincorporated-only limit like some other county rules do.

Violations & Fines

First and second violations draw a warning. A third violation carries a $250 civil penalty and a fourth or later carries $500, with each day of noncompliance counted as a separate violation under § 21.457.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are backyard fire pits banned in Multnomah County?
Only during red day air quality advisories. The Health Department bans operating any wood burning device, including firepits, until the advisory lifts, unless an exemption applies.
Does this rule apply inside Portland?
Yes -- MCC § 21.453 isn't limited to unincorporated areas, so it reaches Portland too, though Portland's own fire code may layer on additional open-burning restrictions.
What counts as a wood burning device?
MCC § 21.452 defines it as any heating appliance burning wood fuel or biomass, including fireplaces, wood stoves, and firepits -- but not devices used solely for cooking.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Multnomah County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursFew RestrictionsPropane StorageSome RestrictionsWildfire ZonesSome RestrictionsBrush ClearanceSome RestrictionsOutdoor BurningSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterSignificant RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome RestrictionsShort-Term Rentals: Primary-Residence-Only RuleSome RestrictionsWater Use Rules: Recycled Water RulesSome RestrictionsDrone Rules: Recreational DronesSome Restrictions

All Multnomah County rules

How Multnomah County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Multnomah County to another location·View the Oregon fire regulations overview

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Fire Pits & Backyard Fires in Cities Across Multnomah County

Portland, ORGresham, OR