Fire season to open on October 15th

Lane County's fall outdoor burning season will open on Friday, October 15th. The season, originally set to start on October 1st, was delayed by the Lane County Fire Defense Board and the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) due to a dry and warmer than average weather outlook.

"Recent rain has been beneficial to reducing wildfire danger across Oregon," said Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA) spokesperson, Travis Knudsen. "But the current forecast is dry, sunny, and warm."

Yard debris may not be burned while the season remains closed. People who want to dispose of woody yard debris ahead of the start of burn season on October 15th have some options. Lane Forest Products, Rexius, or Lane County's transfer stations and dumpsites accept that type of material. Un addition, LRAPA has published a factsheet providing information on non-burning disposal alternatives for natural vegetation in Lane County.

Residents who burn during the closed season are subject to violations ranging from $50 to $2,500 or more.

People can check on the season's status by going online at http://www.lrapa.org, or calling the LRAPA daily open burning advisory line: 541-726-3976.

Materials prohibited from being burned include garbage, plastics, grass clippings, wire insulation, asbestos-containing materials, automobile parts, asphalt, petroleum by-products, tires, cardboard, clothing, grass clippings, petroleum-treated materials, chemically-treated wood, rubber products, animal remains, or animal or vegetable matter related to any food service or preparation, or any other material which normally emits dense smoke, noxious odors, or hazardous air contaminants.