Klamath County Fire District 1 Fire Season Declaration & Burn Closure Notice (Photo) - 05/22/26

Effective May 22, 2026, Klamath County Fire District 1 (KCFD1) will enforce a closure on all open burning within District boundaries due to increasing fire danger and the onset of fire season conditions.

This closure applies to all areas within KCFD1’s jurisdiction, including the City of Klamath Falls and surrounding suburban and rural areas of the District.

Residents may view a detailed map of KCFD1 response areas by visiting:
https://kcfd1.com/fire-stations

Burn Closure Restrictions

The burn closure includes the following activities:

• All backyard and open debris burning, including branches, leaves, yard debris, and vegetation.
• Agricultural and commercial burning operations without a specifically approved non-typical burn permit issued by KCFD1.
• Land clearing, slash, waste, and debris burning operations.

Activities Allowed During the Burn Closure

The following activities are permitted during the closure period when conducted safely and in accordance with all applicable regulations:

Barbecues and Cooking Appliances

• Barbecues and cooking appliances used for food preparation are permitted.

Wood-Burning Outdoor Fireplaces & Manufactured Fire Pits

The following regulations apply to commercially manufactured outdoor fireplaces and fire pits:

• Fires are prohibited during periods of high or extreme fire danger as declared by the Oregon Department of Forestry.
• Appliances must be commercially manufactured and operated according to manufacturer instructions.
• A safety screen is required.
• Only dry wood or charcoal briquettes may be burned.
• Fires shall not be operated within 15 feet of structures or combustible materials.
• Fires must be attended by an adult at all times and completely extinguished when unattended.

In-Ground Recreational Fire Pits

The following requirements apply to in-ground recreational fire pits:

• Fires are prohibited during periods of high or extreme fire danger as declared by the Oregon Department of Forestry.
• Only dry wood or charcoal briquettes may be burned.
• Maximum fire size shall not exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.
• Fires must be a minimum of 25 feet from structures or combustible materials.
• Safety screens are strongly encouraged and recommended.
• Fires must be attended by an adult at all times and completely extinguished when unattended.

KCFD1 reminds the public that outdoor fires in violation of this closure may be immediately extinguished by fire personnel.

Additionally, pursuant to Oregon law (ORS 478.965), any person responsible for a fire started or allowed to spread in willful violation of this burn closure may be held financially responsible for all associated suppression costs, including firefighting response, patrol operations, equipment use, and applicable legal expenses.

Importance of Safety Screens

One of the leading causes of escaped outdoor fires is embers or burning material being carried by the wind into nearby combustible vegetation or structures. Safety screens play a critical role in reducing this risk by containing embers and airborne burning debris.

Outdoor ambiance or warming fires may still be enjoyed with a screen in place. When cooking over an outdoor fire, the screen may be temporarily removed during cooking and immediately replaced afterward to help control sparks and embers.

As temperatures rise and vegetation continues to dry, even small fires can spread rapidly and threaten homes, property, and lives. KCFD1 asks all residents and visitors to remain vigilant, exercise caution with outdoor activities, and help reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires throughout the community.

The public will be notified when burn restrictions are modified or lifted.

For additional information and updates, please visit:
https://kcfd1.com