KCFD1 Closes Open Burning as Fire Season Begins
The burn closure applies across Klamath County Fire District 1, including Klamath Falls and surrounding suburban and rural areas, as fire danger increases.
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — Klamath County Fire District 1 has closed all open burning within district boundaries as increasing fire danger and fire season conditions arrive in the Klamath Falls area.
The closure took effect May 22, 2026, and applies to all areas within KCFD1’s jurisdiction, including the City of Klamath Falls and surrounding suburban and rural areas served by the district.
Under the closure, backyard and open debris burning is prohibited. That includes burning branches, leaves, yard debris, vegetation, land-clearing debris, slash, waste, and other similar materials.
Agricultural and commercial burning operations are also prohibited unless KCFD1 has issued a specifically approved non-typical burn permit.
Klamath County Fire District 1 firefighters mop up hot spots in burned vegetation, one of the wildfire risks the district hopes to reduce through its seasonal burn closure. Photo courtesy KCFD1.
Some outdoor fire-related activities remain allowed when conducted safely and in compliance with applicable regulations. Barbecues and cooking appliances used for food preparation are still permitted.
Commercially manufactured outdoor fireplaces and fire pits may also be used under specific safety rules. They must be operated according to manufacturer instructions, include a safety screen, burn only dry wood or charcoal briquettes, remain at least 15 feet from structures or combustible materials, and be attended by an adult at all times. Fires must be fully extinguished when unattended.
In-ground recreational fire pits are also allowed under certain conditions. Fires may not exceed 3 feet in diameter or 2 feet in height, must be at least 25 feet from structures or combustible materials, and may only burn dry wood or charcoal briquettes. Safety screens are strongly encouraged, and fires must be attended by an adult at all times and fully extinguished when unattended.
KCFD1 said outdoor fireplaces, manufactured fire pits, and recreational fire pits are prohibited during periods of high or extreme fire danger as declared by the Oregon Department of Forestry.
Fire personnel may immediately extinguish outdoor fires that violate the closure.
KCFD1 also reminded residents that, under Oregon law, anyone responsible for a fire started or allowed to spread in willful violation of the burn closure may be held financially responsible for suppression costs. Those costs can include firefighting response, patrol operations, equipment use, and applicable legal expenses.
Smoke rises near structures and dry vegetation after an outdoor fire, underscoring the risk of escaped flames during fire season conditions. Photo courtesy KCFD1.
The district said safety screens are especially important because embers and burning material can be carried by wind into nearby vegetation or structures. Screens help contain sparks and reduce the risk of an escaped fire.
KCFD1 said outdoor ambiance or warming fires may still be used with a screen in place where allowed. When cooking over an outdoor fire, the screen may be temporarily removed during cooking and immediately replaced afterward.
As temperatures rise and vegetation continues to dry, KCFD1 is asking residents and visitors to remain cautious with outdoor activities and help reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.
The public will be notified when burn restrictions are modified or lifted.
Cover image: Klamath County Fire District 1 personnel work across a burned field following a vegetation fire, highlighting the dry conditions that prompted the district’s open burn closure. Photo courtesy KCFD1.
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