Oregon Dept. of Forestry

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News Release

Wildfire Protection Partners Provide New Public Tool To Prevent Escaped Debris Burns - 04/02/26

Wildfire protection partners provide new public tool to prevent escaped debris burns

Debris burning site aims to reduce #1 cause of wildfires

 

SALEM, Ore.—Outdoor debris burning, also known as backyard debris burning, is the leading cause of human-caused wildland fires in Oregon. On average, the Oregon Department of Forestry responds to about 225 fires each year that result from escaped debris burns.

 

All Oregonians are encouraged to use the new statewide Before You Burn website or mobile application prior to lighting any debris, whether it be a small pile or in a burn barrel.

 

Before You Burn provides Oregonians simple, clear guidance on burning regulations and prevention measures for their specific location. The public can sign up for free by either downloading the Before You Burn app (available in both the Apple and Android stores) or visiting the beforeyouburn.net website.

 

Once on the site, or application, residents are prompted to enter their address. They will be immediately informed on whether burning is allowed for their location. If burning is allowed, they will receive instructions or options on local regulations that must be followed, like registering a burn or filing for a permit.

 

“We’re hoping that a central resource for all Oregonians will take the guess work out of who regulates burns, and what the process might be for an allowed burn, for residents in any location around the state,” said Levi Hopkins, ODF Protection Division Deputy Chief of Policy and Planning.

 

ODF and its fire protection and air quality partners have spent the last two years developing this multi-jurisdiction website and mobile application that aims to reduce the number of these preventable wildfires.

 

Before You Burn is only intended for backyard debris burning. It is not for campfires, agricultural burns, the burning of forest slash from harvest operations, or other types of burning. Residents should contact their local fire or air quality agency for regulations on these types of burning activities.

 

Ahead of this year’s fire season, ODF would like to remind the public that engaging in prohibited burning may make you liable for wildfire suppression costs. Suppression costs can reach millions of dollars for a single wildfire.

 

“Checking this new resource is a quick, simple step to take before causing Oregon’s next wildfire,” said Hopkins.

 

ODF serves as the lead agency for Before You Burn, working in partnership with

Western Fire Chiefs Association, structural fire departments across the state, Keep Oregon Green Association and Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

 

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Wildfire Protection Partners Provide New Public Tool To Prevent Escaped Debris Burns - 04/02/26

Wildfire protection partners provide new public tool to prevent escaped debris burns

Debris burning site aims to reduce #1 cause of wildfires

 

SALEM, Ore.—Outdoor debris burning, also known as backyard debris burning, is the leading cause of human-caused wildland fires in Oregon. On average, the Oregon Department of Forestry responds to about 225 fires each year that result from escaped debris burns.

 

All Oregonians are encouraged to use the new statewide Before You Burn website or mobile application prior to lighting any debris, whether it be a small pile or in a burn barrel.

 

Before You Burn provides Oregonians simple, clear guidance on burning regulations and prevention measures for their specific location. The public can sign up for free by either downloading the Before You Burn app (available in both the Apple and Android stores) or visiting the beforeyouburn.net website.

 

Once on the site, or application, residents are prompted to enter their address. They will be immediately informed on whether burning is allowed for their location. If burning is allowed, they will receive instructions or options on local regulations that must be followed, like registering a burn or filing for a permit.

 

“We’re hoping that a central resource for all Oregonians will take the guess work out of who regulates burns, and what the process might be for an allowed burn, for residents in any location around the state,” said Levi Hopkins, ODF Protection Division Deputy Chief of Policy and Planning.

 

ODF and its fire protection and air quality partners have spent the last two years developing this multi-jurisdiction website and mobile application that aims to reduce the number of these preventable wildfires.

 

Before You Burn is only intended for backyard debris burning. It is not for campfires, agricultural burns, the burning of forest slash from harvest operations, or other types of burning. Residents should contact their local fire or air quality agency for regulations on these types of burning activities.

 

Ahead of this year’s fire season, ODF would like to remind the public that engaging in prohibited burning may make you liable for wildfire suppression costs. Suppression costs can reach millions of dollars for a single wildfire.

 

“Checking this new resource is a quick, simple step to take before causing Oregon’s next wildfire,” said Hopkins.

 

ODF serves as the lead agency for Before You Burn, working in partnership with

Western Fire Chiefs Association, structural fire departments across the state, Keep Oregon Green Association and Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

 

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