Thanks to rain, backyard burning is back

Rain Decreases Fire Danger; Backyard Burning Allowed Until June 15

$4,200 Assessed Fine - Burning garbage, tires, furniture, treated wood, etc. on a non-burn day

With the recent change in weather, the Lane Fire Defense Board and State Department of Forestry have reconsidered their decision to close the backyard/open burning season. Rainfall totals have been sufficient

to saturate vegetation and dry areas, making it safe to burn. The burning season will be reopened on Friday, May 24, at 10:00 a.m.“The backyard/open burning season will continue through June 15, however, there may still be days when weather conditions will not allow burning,” said Sally Markos, LRAPA spokeperson. “Despite the recent ban on burning, LRAPA’s rules do not allow the season to be extended past June 15.”LRAPA would like to remind residents there is a penalty for burning on days when burning is not allowed.

Residents should check with their local fire district and call LRAPA’s burning hotline at 541-726-3976 to make sure burning is allowed. Residents on the coast can call 541-997-1757. The LRAPA website, ww.lrapa.org, also displays the daily advisories. A first offense violation of LRAPA’s open burning rules may result in a $500 fine. Repeat offenders face even higher penalties. More information can be found at http://www.lrapa.org/public_education/backyard_burning_program.php.

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