Q: What agencies regulate burning in different areas of Union County?

A: Areas within city limits in Union County are regulated by that city. Outside of city limits, Union County enforces its Burn Ordinance (2024-02).  Union County has seven rural fire protection districts that have jurisdictional authority within their district boundaries as the primary fire agency. A fire district can impose additional restrictions beyond those in the county ordinance.

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has jurisdiction in addition to Union County in areas they protect. ODF has jurisdiction on most private forest land in Union County. On lands managed by the United States Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management, these federal agencies hold authority.

Fire District Map: https://geo.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=d3cb788c24134dee9a9eaea7721d4bae

Q: I live outside of city limits, do I need a burn permit?

A: Yes, as stated in 2024-02 Union County Burn Ordinance, a burn permit is required for all open burning (piles, fields, ditches, etc.) outside of city limits. However, burn barrels, recreational fires, charcoal barbeques, and fire appliances (decorative outdoor chimneys, etc.) are exempt from this requirement, though they must still comply with safety restrictions detailed in the Ordinance.

Q: How do I get a burn permit for areas outside of city limits?

A: Burning is authorized for each calendar day only. To obtain a burn permit, call 541-963-4040 on the day you intend to burn. The recording will inform you if burning is allowed on that particular day based on fire restrictions and air quality forecasts. If burning is allowed that day, an electronic or printed copy of the county Ordinance is considered your permit, which must be in your possession for the entirety of the burn. There is no cost. The ordinance may be obtained through this link: 2024-02 Union County Burn Ordinance.

If the recording heard at 541-963-4040 indicates it is a “no burn” day, the ordinance in your possession is NOT a valid permit for that day, as open burning is not authorized that day.

If the planned burn is in an area also under ODF jurisdiction you MUST also follow any applicable ODF restrictions and permit requirements for the area, in addition to Union County requirements. Contact the La Grande ODF office at 541-963-3168.

Q: If I’m burning several days in a row, how often do I need to call 541-963-4040?

A: You must call each day you plan to burn, as the recording is updated daily burning may not be permitted two days in succession due to changes in smoke dispersal forecasts or fire danger.

Q: What are the consequences for burning without a permit or violating ordinance requirements?

A: Any burning in violation of Union County’s Burning Ordinance (2024-02) is a Class A Violation, subject to a fine of up to $2,000.  If a fire escapes due to negligence and causes damage to the property of another, the person responsible for the fire may also be subject to criminal charges.  The person responsible for an escaped or illegal fire may also be subject to civil liability for the fire and any damage or negative impacts it caused regardless of local law enforcement action.

Q: Do these restrictions apply to agricultural field burning?

A: Agricultural field burning is managed by Union County Smoke Management Center staff and different regulations specific to agricultural burning apply. All burning not expressly coordinated and authorized by the Center falls under the regulations and requirements of 2024-02 Union County Burn Ordinance. The Smoke Management Center can be reached by pressing option 3 when calling 541-963-4040.