With the upcoming forecasted cool wet weather, local Fire Districts, Wasco County, and The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) have agreed to lift the seasonal burn ban on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 12:01 a.m. This will allow for burning in barrels and small debris piles. Burning of larger slash piles is not included in lifting the ban.

The purpose of the debris burn ban is to ensure the safety of Wasco County residents. Human-caused wildfires are the number one cause of wildfire starts in  Oregon and this burn ban aims to reduce that statistic. We urge all residents to abide by these restrictions and educate those who may be unaware of their importance. 

How do you stop a fire? Don’t have it in the first place. Wasco and Hood River county fire districts along with the Oregon Department of Forestry have banned burning on June 11 in hopes that people turn to chipping or composting rather than matches to deal with outdoor debris.