Reminder: Backyard, Open Burning ONLY Allowed Outside Salem City Limits

Before burning check with the burning information number, (503) 588-6420, to determine if burning is allowed for that day.

Salem Fire Spokesman Bill Holmstrom is shown here doing an interview for a TV station, stressing the importance of following burning regulations Photo By: Tim King

(SALEM) - Sunnier days along with warmer weather, and the summer planting season, has Salem-area residents starting to spruce-up their yards and gardens.

The Salem Fire Department wants Salem residents to remember that backyard and open burning IS ONLY ALLOWED outside the Salem City Limits during these open burning dates: March 1st through June 15th and this Fall, October 1st through December 15th.

ANY material that produces dense smoke or harmful odors CANNOT be burned, including rubber products, tires, plastic, wet garbage, food waste, petroleum-treated materials, wire insulation, automobile parts or animal remains.

General Burning Requirements:

Fires must be constantly attended by a responsible person until extinguished.

A water hose, shovel, rake and/or fire extinguisher must be readily available.

Burn only dry materials, to prevent excessive emission of smoke.

Backyard burning within 15 feet of any building, deck, etc. must be in an approved burn receptacle.

Backyard burning within 25 feet of a structure is limited to 3 feet by 2 feet in size.

Backyard burning is limited to materials from trees, shrubs, or plants that grow in a landscaped yard (grass clippings, tree leaves/needles, small branches, rose bush clippings).

Recreational fires ARE allowed inside Salem City Limits. These include the operation of barbecue equipment at any time and campfires contained to a maximum area of 3' by 2' in size.

Fires Safety Tips:

Fires should not be located within 25 feet of a building, deck, or combustible materials unless contained in a Barbecue Pit/ Fire Pit constructed of an approved non-combustible material. Fires should be constantly attended by a person who has readily available, a garden hose, filled water buckets, shovels, or a fire extinguisher to extinguish a fire. Note: If an individual's recreational burn causes any damage; they CAN BE HELD responsible for fire suppression costs as well as the damage.

All safety requirements for a general burning also apply to recreational burning.