Burning is not allowed
- If it creates a public or private nuisance.
- Is a safety hazard.
- When it unreasonably interferes with the enjoyment of life or property.
- On commercial properties.
Backyard burn days
There are 10 allowable backyard burn days in the fall and spring, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, if DEQ says burning is allowed for those days. DEQ open backyard burning information
Burn days banned in Gresham
Gresham no longer allows backyard burning without a permit. If your property is larger than 1 acre, you can apply for an open burn permit. This is a permanent ban and includes all houses and properties in Gresham city limits. Residents may not burn yard debris, or the materials listed below.
Materials that cannot be burned in Oregon
- Rubber products
- Tires
- Plastic
- Garbage
- Petroleum and petroleum-treated materials
- Asphalt or industrial waste
- Any material that creates dense smoke or noxious odors
- Construction materials
- Stumps
Yard debris burning guidelines
Always call the East Multnomah County Burn Line at 503-618-3083 before burning to confirm DEQ is allowing burning.
- There are 10 allowable burn days in the fall on Wednesdays and Saturdays, if burning is deemed allowable by the DEQ for those days.
- Burn piles must be no larger than 6 feet in diameter and 3 feet high.
- Burn piles must be 25 feet from any combustible materials (houses, fences, etc.).
- Burn piles must be attended by a competent person at all times.
- You must have a means to extinguish the fire (energized garden hose, fire extinguisher, shovel, etc.).
- Burn piles must contain only yard debris from your yard; no other material may be burned.
- Burn piles must be extinguished if wind gusts reach 15 mph.
Fire pits
- Fire pits are for recreational use only.
- Fire pits can accommodate fires no larger than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high.
- Fire pits must be attended at all times.
- You must have a means of extinguishing the fire.
- The fire must be 15 feet from flammable material (house, fence, etc.)
- You may only burn hardwood or fireplace logs in a fire pit: no garbage, yard or construction debris.
- Fires must be extinguished if wind gusts reach 15 mph.
- If the fire causes excessive smoke and complaints are made by neighbors, the fire must be extinguished.
Barbecue and grilling safety