About FlashAlert on Twitter:
FlashAlert utilizes the free service Twitter to distribute emergency text messages. While you are welcome to register your cell phone text message address directly into the FlashAlert system, we recommend that you simply "follow" the FlashAlert account for Forest Grove Fire & Rescue by clicking on the link below and logging in to (or creating) your free Twitter account. Twitter sends messages out exceptionally fast thanks to arrangements they have made with the cell phone companies.
Click here to add Forest Grove Fire & Rescue to your Twitter account or create one.
@forestgrovefire
Washington County fire departments have agreed that the ban on agricultural and forestry burning shall be lifted immediately. Recent heavy rainfall this week as well as forecasted rain was the deciding push to allow agricultural and timber operations to begin burning. Small recreational fires (for cooking or warming) are still allowed.
Agricultural burning is considered on properties that create revenue (farms, nurseries, orchards, etc). Having a residence in a rural setting doesn't qualify as agricultural for burning regulations. Normal residential yard debris burning is still not allowed until the Fall DEQ Burn Season begins on October 1st for allowable areas.
If conditions change and become dry for an extended time, a burn ban could be reinstated.
Fire departments involved with this decision are Forest Grove Fire & Rescue, Cornelius Fire Department, Gaston Fire District, Hillsboro Fire & Rescue, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue(Washington County), Banks Fire District and Oregon Department of Forestry-Forest Grove.
For further questions on local regulations, check with your local fire jurisdiction.