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Open Burning Season Delayed

LRAPA logoThe backyard burning ban has been extended until October 15th, 2014 with provision for additional delays until further notice. With the extended dry and hot conditions the Lane County area has experienced, it has continued to keep fire danger levels in the “High” to “Extreme” ranges.

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) warns residents that fire behavior is most dangerous when conditions are as dry as they have been. “As we enter the late summer/fall weather pattern, the fuels are currently dry and will take some solid rain for an extended period to soak into the fuels before fire season will end.  Fall weather tends to cycle thru several rounds of rain showers and then drying back out multiple times before the risk of fire spread is diminished. We ask residents to be patient with getting started on backyard debris burns until we are out of fire season and there is lower risk of debris burns escaping,”  said Greg Wagenblast, the District Forester of the South Cascade District.

“For backyard burning to be conducted safely, the weather patterns need to change to the wetter winter model. Until then, we recommend that people cover their burn piles so that it stays dry until burning is permitted,” said Jo Niehaus, a Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA) spokesperson. “Dry wood debris will burn faster, more thoroughly, and emit less pollutants into the air.”

LRAPA would also like to remind residents that open burning is prohibited year-round within the Eugene/Springfield Urban Growth Boundary, and is restricted for residents of Oakridge and Florence. Residents can also dispose of their yard debris for a minimal charge at several collection depots, including Lane County transfer sites at Glenwood, Cottage Grove, and Florence, Lane Forest Products (541-345-9085), and Rexius (541-342-1835).

LRAPA will regulate this provision until open burning season begins. A first offense violation of LRAPA’s open burning rules may result in a $500 fine.

The public can check for updates by going onto the LRAPA website at http://www.LRAPA.org, on twitter @LaneRegionalAir, or on Facebook. For specific information and LRAPA’s rules on backyard burning, please visit: http://www.lrapa.org/public_education/backyard_burning_program.php

 

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