For immediate release: Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Media contact:
Chris Barney, Fire Defense Board Chief
Multnomah County Fire Defense Board
Chris.Barney@portlandoregon.gov
503-823-3700
Multnomah County Fire Defense Board Implements 2025 Summer Burn Ban
Hot, dry weather and increasing fire danger drive curtailment
Multnomah County, Ore. (July 1, 2025) — The Multnomah County Fire Defense Board announces an immediate burn ban for all areas of Multnomah County. This action is based on continued hot, dry weather conditions and increased fire danger across the region, as forecasted by the Pacific Northwest Geographic Area Coordinating Center.
The burn ban includes:
- Backyard burning
- Recreational campfires and fire pits
- Agricultural burning, including agricultural wastes, field burning, and any previously permitted open burning such as land clearing, slash, stump, or debris burning
The ban will remain in effect throughout the summer until the Fall weather allows a return to permitted open burning.
“This decision is rooted in our responsibility to protect the community and our natural resources,’’ said Fire Defense Board Chief Chris Barney. “Conditions continue to be dry, and human-caused fires remain one of our greatest risks. Limiting open burning is one of our most effective preventative measures.”
Each fire agency within Multnomah County may tailor their own ban and enforcement based on specific local risks or needs. Residents should check with their local fire department or district for detailed restrictions or permit requirements. Burning wood also contributes to local air pollution.
Outdoor cooking using grills, smokers, and other cooking appliances fueled by charcoal, wood chips, pellets, propane, or natural gas is still allowed with extreme caution. When using charcoal briquettes, dispose of ashes only in covered metal containers away from combustibles. Keep ashes soaked in water for several days before final disposal.
Additional Safety Reminders:
- Maintain at least 10 feet between any outdoor cooking and combustible materials (e.g., siding, fences, shrubs.)
- Smokers should fully extinguish cigarettes before discarding them.
- Rural property owners are urged to maintain wildfire defensible space around structures, reduce dry vegetation, and ensure emergency vehicle access.
Contact Numbers by Jurisdiction:
- Gresham Fire Department, Troutdale, Wood Village, Fairview, and Fire District 10 – 503-618-3083
- Corbett Fire District 14 – 503-809-4372 (Option 2)
- Sauvie Island Fire District 30 – 503-621-1242
- Portland Fire & Rescue – General Info – 503-823-3700
About the Multnomah County Fire Defense Board:
The Multnomah County Fire Defense Board is composed of fire chiefs from all county fire agencies. It coordinates planning, prevention, and mutual aid efforts in partnership with the Oregon Department of the State Fire Marshal. The Board also plays a critical role in mobilizing resources when incidents exceed local capacity.