Several Oregon counties under burn ban due to warmer weather, wind

PORTLAND, Ore. — Several Oregon counties have implemented a burn ban due to warmer temperatures and high winds over the next several days.

The Oregon Department of Forestry says the number of small wildfires has tripled this spring partly because dry conditions across the state.

The entire Portland metro area, including Washington, Clackamas, and Multnomah counties, is under a burn ban, effective immediately. Polk, Marion, Yamhill counties also announced burn bans, as well.

On Thursday, Linn County issued a burn ban as well, active from April 15 - April 19.

Officials say restrictions include:

• Backyard burning (yard debris, etc.)
• Agricultural burning is strongly discouraged, contact your local fire agency for special situations.
• Land clearing or slash burning.

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Federal agencies have independent jurisdiction and authority to regulate recreational fires on their lands so this ban does not apply to the US Forest Service and BLM regulated lands.

Individuals found to be in violation of these requirements during the burn ban may be held liable for the cost of putting out a fire and for any property damage resulting from an illegal fire.

Those living in rural areas are asked to maintain their defensible space by monitoring growth surrounding homes and structures, and to maintain adequate access for firefighting equipment,

• Know fire risks and obey fire restrictions, such as campfire bans.
• Avoid parking or driving on dry grass as hot vehicles can start a wildfire.
• Vehicles are required to have a shovel and fire extinguisher or at least a gallon of water in many areas. * Do not use candles, fireworks, tiki torches, or other open flames in wildland areas.
• Remember that sky lanterns are illegal in Oregon airspace.
• Dispose of smoking material in deep, sturdy ashtrays.
• Make sure butts and ashes are extinguished with water.
• Never discard butts on the ground or in vegetation.

In Canby, fire crews say they responded to two brush fires on Tuesday.

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The cause of both fires was from open burning and high wind speeds that helped spread the fires.

Crews say firefighters had to fight these fires in steep terrain for over four hours.

Canby’s fire chief says open burning is shut down in the area until conditions improve. Conditions will be re-evaluated on April 20.

Check with your local fire department/district to see if your area is under a burn ban.

*Associated Press contributed to this report.