Oregon Statewide Rule

Oregon Outdoor Burning Rules and DEQ Statewide Restrictions

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Oregon (2026)

Oregon DEQ and Department of Forestry jointly regulate outdoor burning statewide, prohibiting open burning of garbage, plastics, and treated wood. Burn bans and seasonal restrictions are uniformly enforced through state agencies.

Key Facts

Lead Agency: Oregon DEQ and ODF
Always Banned: Garbage, plastics, treated wood
Max Civil Penalty: $25,000 per day
Fire Season Authority: ORS 477.515
Rule Citation: OAR 340-264

Source: Oregon Public Law

Full Breakdown

Under ORS 468A.555 to 468A.620 and OAR 340-264, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality regulates open burning statewide. Backyard burning of garbage, tires, plastics, asbestos, treated or painted wood, and petroleum products is prohibited everywhere in Oregon. Permitted burning is limited to dry yard debris in designated areas. The Oregon Department of Forestry imposes seasonal burn bans during fire season under ORS 477.515 within forest protection districts. Many Willamette Valley counties prohibit residential backyard burning entirely under DEQ rule. Both agencies retain enforcement authority statewide regardless of municipal boundaries.

Violations & Penalties

Illegal open burning is a Class A violation under ORS 468.140 with civil penalties up to $25,000 per day. Burning during a declared fire-season ban can constitute a Class B misdemeanor under ORS 477.515.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I burn household garbage in my backyard in Oregon?

No. ORS 468A.555 and OAR 340-264 prohibit burning garbage, plastics, tires, treated wood, and petroleum products anywhere in Oregon, regardless of city or county location.

How do I know if a burn ban is in effect?

Oregon Department of Forestry announces fire-season burn bans for forest protection districts. Check ODF's regional offices or DEQ's burn information line before any outdoor burning.

Are recreational campfires the same as outdoor burning?

No. Small recreational fires for cooking or warmth are typically exempt, but they are still subject to ODF fire-season prohibitions and any Public Use Restrictions on state lands.

Sources

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Full Breakdown

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I burn household garbage in my backyard in Oregon?

No. ORS 468A.555 and OAR 340-264 prohibit burning garbage, plastics, tires, treated wood, and petroleum products anywhere in Oregon, regardless of city or county location.

How do I know if a burn ban is in effect?

Oregon Department of Forestry announces fire-season burn bans for forest protection districts. Check ODF's regional offices or DEQ's burn information line before any outdoor burning.

Are recreational campfires the same as outdoor burning?

No. Small recreational fires for cooking or warmth are typically exempt, but they are still subject to ODF fire-season prohibitions and any Public Use Restrictions on state lands.