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What you need to know about Multnomah County’s summer burn ban

The measure, which will be introduced in phases, begins Friday, June 16 and will last indefinitely.

A boat approaches Portland's Marquam Bridge amid extreme wildfire smoke.

It’s impossible to forget the smoky summer of 2020.

Photo by Ben McBee, PDXtoday

Smoky skies that cast an apocalyptic orange hue over daily life — it’s a scene that Portlanders are sadly all too familiar with. With wildfires becoming more of a threat to our air quality, Multnomah County will phase in a summer burn ban to reduce any avoidable air pollution.

The first step is a backyard burn ban beginning Friday, June 16; use this map to check the restriction’s boundaries. Secondly, fire officials will introduce an agricultural burn ban on Friday, June 30. Finally, a complete ban — which includes campfires, fire pits, and other open burning — goes into effect Thursday, July 6. Weather could change these dates at any time.

Although barbecues and other outdoor cooking will be allowed, Portland Fire & Rescue strongly encourages keeping ashes wet for several days before discarding them in a covered metal container. Also, make sure that any grill is also at least 10 feet away from combustible materials like bushes or fencing.

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