Residents and property owners across ten northwest Oregon counties gained new burning flexibility this month after the Oregon Department of Forestry formally closed fire season across its Northwest Oregon Area protection districts on October 15, 2026, at 12:01 a.m.

Five Districts Have Closed

The five ODF protection districts that exited fire season on October 15 are:

  • ODF Forest Grove District
  • ODF Tillamook District
  • ODF Astoria District
  • ODF North Cascade District
  • ODF West Oregon District

Together, these districts protect private and public forestland spanning Marion, Polk, Clackamas, Multnomah, Lincoln, Benton, Yamhill, Tillamook, Clatsop, and Columbia counties — a broad swath of the northern Willamette Valley and Coast Range.

What Changes for Property Owners

The end of fire season means property owners protected by ODF can now burn residential yard debris and use burn barrels without obtaining a prior permit from ODF. This is a welcome change for landowners who have accumulated yard waste over the summer months when open burning was prohibited under fire season rules.

However, ODF fire officials are clear: the end of the permit requirement does not remove individual legal responsibility for burning safely and responsibly. All burning must still comply with local regulations, and residents are urged to:

  • Refrain from burning on dry or windy days — fire danger can still develop even outside of fire season
  • Keep a shovel and an adequate water supply at any burn site at all times
  • Never leave a debris burn unattended
  • Ensure all burned material is completely extinguished and cold to the touch before leaving
  • Check local burning regulations and any air quality restrictions at beforeyouburn.net before lighting any fire

Other ODF Districts: Check Your Status

This closure applies specifically to the five Northwest Oregon Area districts listed above. Other ODF districts — including those covering eastern Oregon, the south coast, and southern Oregon — operate on separate fire season schedules and may still be under fire season restrictions. Property owners outside the five northwest districts should verify their local ODF district's current fire season status before open burning.

Regional Context: Idaho and Washington Also Winding Down

Idaho's statutory closed fire season ended October 20, 2026, returning the entire state to no-restriction status for open burning. The Smore Fire — the last active significant fire in Idaho — has been fully contained.

In Washington, fire season status varies by jurisdiction and land management agency. State parks still require campground fire rings for campfires statewide, but most county-level outdoor fire restrictions have been eased for the season. Residents should confirm current rules with their county and the relevant state or federal land management agency for any burning planned on or near public lands.

For the latest ODF fire season information and district-specific updates, visit oregon.gov/odf.