Hermiston Fire and Emergency Services Burn Policy does not apply to:
- Barbecue type equipment
- Recreational burning, cooking fires no larger than 3′ x 3′
- Ceremonial Fires (Special Permit Needed)
- Agricultural burns – field burning less than 2 acres and ditch burning for removal of weeds. (Must follow Umatilla County agriculture burn rules)
Open burning of construction, demolition and commercial waste within the City of Hermiston and within a three (3) mile radius of the City of Hermiston requires an open burn letter from Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) and the Hermiston Fire and Emergency Services (HFES). Once domestic waste is removed from the property of its origin, it becomes commercial waste and permits from ODEQ and HFES are required.
All unconfined burning piles shall be located so as to provide a safety area around any fire. The location for open burning of burn piles 3 feet in diameter or less and 2 feet in height or less shall not be less than 25 feet from any structure, and provisions shall be made to prevent the fire from spreading to within 25 feet of any structure. The location for open burning of piles larger than 3 feet in diameter shall not be less than 50 feet (15.24 m) from any structure, and provisions shall be made to prevent the fire from spreading to within 50 feet of any structure.
Nuisance, or hazardous fires are prohibited
It is unlawful to burn the following:
- Rubber products
- Tires
- Plastics
- Wet garbage
- Disposable diapers
- Petroleum
- Petroleum treated products
- Asphalt or industrial waste
- Tree leaves, grass clippings
- Any material that emits large volumes of smoke is prohibited
Open burning is allowed under the following conditions:
The use of burn barrels or other burning containers as well as incinerators are allowed to burn paper and cardboard only. Burn barrels shall be no higher than three feet tall, be in good condition and have a screen when in use
Burning of yard debris is allowed during open burning periods which includes limbs, twigs, and cut trees shrubbery, but excludes tree leaves, grass clippings and other slow burning vegetable material. Burning of yard debris only in a burn barrel is allowed.
All open burning is allowed under the following conditions:
- Burning hours are 10:00 A.M. to two hours before sunset.
- Temperature under 90 degrees
- Wind below 10 MPH
- Humidity above 15%
Ceremonial Fires
Groups or organizations must have site inspected and permission granted before a ceremonial fire.
All rules for unconfined burning piles shall apply.
Cooking Fires and Recreational Fires
Cooking Fires and Recreational fires shall be no larger than 3 x 3feet.
All rules for burning shall apply.
Cooking Fires larger than 3 x 3 feet are allowed only after permission is granted by Hermiston Fire and Emergency Services.
Violation of Burn policy
ORS 478.965 allows the fire district to recover costs of suppressing unlawful fires and attorney fees.
Violation of the Hermiston Fire and Emergency Services Burn Policy may be punishable by a fine not to exceed $250.00 or the cost of reimbursement for apparatus and personnel, which ever is greater.