Special Burn Period Announced for St. Helens

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 9, 2020

ST. HELENS, OR – The City of St. Helens is holding a special burn period for residential open burning in St. Helens city limits that begins on Saturday, June 13 and ends on Sunday, June 28.  

This special burn period is intended to replace the annual spring burn period that was postponed in May due to COVID-19. The Oregon Fire Defense Board will close all residential open burning effective July 1, 2020.

Because this special burn period is being held later in the season than usual, it is extremely important to check the burn line each time you burn to reduce the risk of wildfires. 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.

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 www.crfr.com/burn-permits.html. Burn permits can also be obtained at CRF&R’s Administrative Office.

Burn permits last for one year from the date of issue.  Unless a special burn period is approved by the City Council, there are only two authorized burn periods within St. Helens city limits, which occur on the first Saturday in May for 16 consecutive days and the third Saturday in October for 16 consecutive days.

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

For further information regarding the spring burn period, please see St. Helens Municipal Code Chapter 8.36 online at www.codepublishing.com/OR/sthelens/ or contact the Columbia River Fire and Rescue’s Administrative Office at 503-397-2990.

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For further information regarding the St. Helens special burn period, please contact Communications Officer Crystal King at crystalf@ci.st-helens.or.us or 503-366-8215.