Spring open burn window announced
/
Stock photo
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - Twice each year there are open burn windows that allow Klamath County residents the opportunity to burn yard waste. Klamath County Public Health just announced the 2021 Spring open burning window. It begins at 8:00 AM, Saturday, April 10, and ends at 5:00 PM, Sunday, April 25.
Public Health officials have set the following guidelines for the open burning window:
The air quality advisory must be green. The daily advisory is available at 541-882-BURN (2876).
Only residential yard waste, such as tree limbs, brush, and leaves may be burned.
All burning must occur between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
No trash, plastic, rubber, tar, petroleum products, treated or painted wood may be burned.
The use of burn barrels is prohibited.
The burning of commercial, construction, demolition or industrial waste is not included in this burn window. Burning for these purposes requires a special permit from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality; contact the DEQ office in Bend at 541-633-2016.
Agricultural burning inside the Air Quality Zone is prohibited without a certificate of variance issued by Klamath County Public Health.
Fire District guidelines for public safety are:
The wind must be between four and 10 mph. For wind speed call 541-883-8127.
There must be a pressurized water hose at the fire site at all times.
A responsible adult must be present at the fire from the first flame until the fire is extinguished.
The burn pile shall be no larger than six feet in diameter and four feet high.
There must be a six-foot clear area surrounding the base of the pile and the pile must be at least 20 feet from combustible fences and buildings.
The person conducting any burning is responsible for damage and the cost of an out-of-control burn as well as traffic problems and other hazards caused by the smoke.
The open burn window may be canceled at any time due to air quality or fire hazard conditions. KCPH reminds people that the smoke from burning yard debris is equally as harmful to the lungs as cigarette smoke.
To see a map of the Air Quality Zone, visit http://www.klamathcounty.org/DocumentCenter/View/1019/Map-of-the-Air-Quality-Zone-PDF.
In regards to the Open Buring window, the following statement was made by Chad Tramp, BC Fire Marshal for Klamath County Fire District 1:
The weather is getting warmer and the open burn window is soon upon us. The county is starting to flourish with people cleaning up their property from the winter slumber. Brush fires are already destroying properties and structures in our county this year.
Klamath County Fire District 1 would like to remind the citizens that open burning is not open at this time. KCFD1 has responded to several escaped fires this year already.
The conditions outside are prime for fires to burn. The grasses, shrubbery and trees are just coming out of dormancy. The foliage is as dry now as it is in early parts of the summer months.
Burning is a privilege our County offers, unlike several counties across Oregon. Only burn on approved days. Make sure the wind is below 10 MPH with no gusting. Make sure to attend the fire from start to finish. Maintain a water source and tools to keep the fire in check. Remember you are responsible for your burning activities and could be held liable for escaped fires.
Visit our website at www.kcfd1.com for more information.
During the open burn window, residents should check with their local Fire District or the City of Klamath Falls (inside the city limits) for additional restrictions. Phone numbers for these agencies include: Klamath County Fire District No. 1 541-885-2056; Klamath County Fire District No. 4 541-884-1670; Klamath County Public Health 541-883-1122; City of Klamath Falls Code Enforcement 541-883-5358.