Open Burning Window Announced in Klamath County
Fire officials urge caution as spring debris burning season begins
KLAMATH COUNTY, Ore. — Klamath County Fire District 1 has announced the 2026 open burning window and is urging residents to use caution as fire danger conditions begin to rise.
The permitted open burning period will run from March 28 through April 12, 2026. Fire officials say a mild winter and increasingly dry conditions have already contributed to escaped debris burns across the county and throughout Oregon.
Fire Chief Brent Knutson emphasized the importance of careful monitoring and adherence to safety requirements when conducting debris burns during the limited window.
Klamath County Fire District 1 outlined the following guidelines for residents:
Wind must be 10 mph or less. Current wind speeds can be checked by calling 541-883-8127.
Burn piles should be no larger than 4 feet by 4 feet by 4 feet, with no more than two active piles per property.
A minimum of 5 feet of clearance is required beyond the burn pile base, and the base must be at least 25 feet from buildings, fences, or other combustibles.
Only residential yard debris such as limbs, brush, and leaves may be burned.
Burning trash, plastics, rubber, treated or painted wood, petroleum products, or similar materials is prohibited.
A water source and hand tools such as shovels or rakes must be available at all times.
An adult must monitor the burn continuously.
Individuals conducting burns are responsible for any damage, suppression costs, or hazards caused by escaped fires or smoke.
Regulations apply to all areas within Klamath County Fire District 1 boundaries, not just the Air Quality Zone.
Fire officials strongly encourage residents to fully extinguish burn piles before leaving the area, noting that even small fires can quickly escape under dry conditions.
Failure to follow open burning regulations may result in fines or liability for suppression costs.
Klamath County Fire District 1 also encourages residents to consider alternatives to burning. The district’s Community Risk Reduction Team offers assistance removing combustible yard debris to help create defensible space.
More information is available at kcfd1.com or through Klamath County Air Quality.
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