How Oregon's Burn Permit System Works
Oregon manages burning through an unusually well-developed Smoke Management Plan, created in response to significant air quality impacts from agricultural and forestry burning. The Oregon Department of Forestry issues permits, but the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality sets air quality rules that must also be followed. The result is a two-layer system similar to California's, but with more active coordination between agencies. Homeowners in western Oregon's Willamette Valley face particularly strict rules due to the valley's geography and population density.
Getting a Oregon Burn Permit
- Agency: Oregon Department of Forestry
- Phone: (503) 945-7200
- Portal: https://www.oregon.gov/ODF
- Cost: Free
- Valid: Same day / seasonal
Seasonal Notes & Burn Bans
Western Oregon: Willamette Valley has very limited burn days due to air inversions. Summer (July–September) near-total restrictions statewide. Eastern Oregon has more open windows but summer is still extremely restricted.
What You Can Burn in Oregon
Natural vegetation, agricultural residue, slash from forestry operations. No prohibited materials. Oregon has specific rules for pile burning vs. broadcast burning — homeowners typically do pile burns.
- Leaves and yard trimmings
- Natural brush and branches
- Downed trees (untreated wood)
- Agricultural crop residue
Never legal to burn anywhere in Oregon: Household garbage, treated/painted wood, tires, plastics, construction debris, or hazardous materials.
Frequently Asked Questions — Oregon
Yes, in ODF fire protection areas (most of Oregon). Apply at oregon.gov/ODF. You also must follow Oregon DEQ air quality rules, which may restrict burning based on daily conditions in your area. Western Oregon has stricter air quality rules than eastern Oregon.
Western Oregon: fall (October–November) and spring (March–April) are the primary burning windows. Eastern Oregon has a broader window but summer is severely restricted due to wildfire danger. Most of July–September across Oregon is effectively a no-burn period.
Oregon's open burning violation is a Class B Misdemeanor — fines up to $2,500 plus suppression costs if fire escapes. DEQ air quality violations can reach $10,000 per day on top of forestry violations.