Forgot Dad's Day?

Forgot Dad's Day? Do his burning

Sunday, June 15 will be the official last day for backyard/open burning in Lane County until fall.

The season, which closes in the summer because of fire danger, will remain closed until October 1, depending upon fire conditions. In most areas of Lane County, burning is allowed on approved days during the burn season for the disposal of woody yard debris generated on the property where burning occurs.

The Lane Regional Air Polution Authority's open burning season normally runs from October 1 through June 15th.

“We’ve had quite a bit of dry, warm weather over the last few weeks. The small amount of rain forecast for the next few days may help decrease the fire danger, but with higher temperatures vegetation will dry

out quickly.” said Sally Markos, LRAPA spokeswoman. LRAPA’S administrative rules require all open burning must stop after June 15.

During the closed season, yard debris may be disposed of at one of several local yard debris and wood recycling centers, such as Lane Forest Products, Rexius Forest By-Products or Lane County’s Glenwood

or Florence transfer stations (dump sites). Composting grass clippings and chipping small branches are also encouraged.

Residents who burn during the closed season are subject to violations ranging from $50 to $2,500 or more. “The average residential open burning fine runs about $300, depending upon the size of the fire and materials being burned,” Markos said. “Illegal burning during the dry summer months increases the risk of wildfires that can damage property and destroy homes. Gusting winds and dry conditions can turn a small backyard fire into a wildfire very quickly.”