Burning & Air Quality

Residential Yard Debris burning Season

  • City of Cornelius - Yard debris burning is not allowed all year.  
  • Rural Area Outside the City Limits - Yard debris burning is allowed from March 1 to June 15, and from October 1 to December 15 unless a Burn Ban has been enacted.

Click Here for Daily Burn Information.


Yard Debris Burning Rules

  • Locate your burn pile well away from fences, trees, brush, structures, or property lines
  • Have a garden hose and shovel ready, attend to your burn pile at all times
  • Only burn yard debris! Things like household waste, construction materials, and plastics are never allowed.
  • Soak your burn pile when you are done, stir the wet debris up until steam no longer comes from them, and soak them again.

Agricultural Debris Burning

In order to be considered agricultural burning, the fire must be conducted to remove the debris from a for-profit agricultural operation. Just because you live in a rural area, doesn't automatically allow you to burn during agricultural burn season. This type of burning is allowed outside of high fire danger times, but typically January 1 to June 15, and October 1 to December 31 (these dates are subject to change based on fire danger conditions).

Recreational Fires

Small fires for cooking, warming, or recreation are allowed all year. These must remain small, be attended at all times, located away from where they will spread, and be put completely out when done. Only clean and dry wood or charcoal is allowed to burn in these types of fires, no garbage or household waste may be burned at any time.

Air Quality Concerns

Fire departments do not have authority to enforce air-quality complaints regarding smoke. Additional information on DEQ's laws and guidelines for burning can be found on the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality website.

Air Quality Status

Check Washington County's Website or Social Media

From November 1 through March 1, visit Washington County's website to check the air quality status or call the Air Quality Status line at 503-846-8744.

Radio, TV, and news outlets are informed of and often announce "Red" air quality days as well.

Sign Up for Air Quality Alerts

Sign up for Washington County Public Alerts to get updates about hazardous situations, including poor air quality.