Fall Burn Dates for City of St. Helens

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 16, 2024

St. Helens, Ore. - Fire season restrictions are lifting in Columbia County. Due to the extended fire season this year, the City of St. Helens is shifting fall burn dates. The fall burn period for residential open burning in the city limits of St. Helens will begin on the fourth Saturday in October, running from Saturday, October 26 through Sunday, November 10, 2024. Burn periods are established for residents to burn yard debris. Burn periods do not apply to activities such as using a charcoal barbecue or recreational outdoor fire pit.

Before burning anything in your yard, a burn permit must be obtained through Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRF&R). Residential burn permits are available through CRF&R’s website at https://www.crfr.com/burn-information or can be obtained at CRF&R’s Administration Office, 270 Columbia Boulevard, St. Helens.

To reduce wildfire danger, it is extremely important that anyone wishing to start an outdoor fire check the burn line each day that they plan to burn. Burn bans may still be in effect even if you have obtained a burn permit. Always check the burn line at 503-397-4800 to find out if it is an open burn day.

Burn permits last for one year from the date of issue. However, there are only two authorized burn periods within St. Helens city limits: a spring burn period in May and a fall burn period that usually begins in October.

Burning grass clippings, plastics, household garbage, petroleum products and rubber products is not allowed. Burning may only be conducted during daylight hours.

For further information regarding burn permits, please contact Columbia River Fire and Rescue’s Administration Office at 503-397-2990.

During the month of November, Hudson Garbage Service will pick up yard debris bins on a weekly basis at no additional charge for customers who live inside St. Helens city limits.

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For further information regarding City of St. Helens burn periods, please contact Communications Officer Crystal King at cking@sthelensoregon.gov.