Metro burn bans now include Multnomah, Washington, Clark, Clackamas counties

As dangerously hot weather approaches, most Portland metro-area cities and counties have issued burn bans prohibiting certain types of outdoor burning in an effort to stem the spread of wildfires.

Washington County notified residents of its burn ban on Monday.

Multnomah County’s more restrictive ban began Tuesday and includes recreational campfires, fire pits and all types of agricultural burning in Portland, Gresham, Corbett and Sauvie Island.

Clark County’s ban begins July 5 and includes all land clearing and residential burning in the county.

Clackamas County’s burn season ended June 15. No backyard burning is allowed.

Most bans are in place until local agencies announce they’ve been lifted.

Burn bans are not unusual during the summer months, and often begin near the Fourth of July holiday in western Oregon. But this year the bans are especially important as a heat wave featuring temperatures higher than 100 degrees coincides with the holiday weekend.

A debris fire went out of control Tuesday in rural Washington County, with Forest Grove firefighters worked on open flames and hot spots in a field of cut crimson clover. Winds helped embers from a nearby debris fire spread into the field, according to Forest Grove Fire & Rescue. The county had announced its burn ban on Monday.

Fire agencies always recommend you check with your nearest fire station or look online to learn about burn bans in place in your area before attempting a burn. Wildfires can spread in minutes and those who ignore burn bans can be fined and cited by fire officials.

The State of Oregon has several tips to keep your home safe from wildfires and on where to call to learn about burn bans. Visit this page: wildfire.oregon.gov/prevention.