Oregon City Council approves outdoor burning regulations to enhance community safety

The City Commission of Oregon City convened on June 18, 2025, to discuss a significant ordinance aimed at regulating outdoor burning within the city. The proposed ordinance, identified as 25-1009, seeks to establish clear and enforceable regulations to enhance public health and safety, protect property, and mitigate the risks associated with wildfires and air pollution.

Currently, Oregon City lacks specific municipal codes governing outdoor burning, relying instead on regulations from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Clackamas Fire. This gap has led to an increase in illegal and potentially hazardous fires on both public and private properties, with city officials noting that enforcement has been challenging without a dedicated ordinance. The new regulations aim to provide a framework for enforcement, allowing city staff to address dangerous burning activities more effectively.

The ordinance proposes a permit process for outdoor burning, requiring a minimum property size of one acre to qualify for a permit. A fee of $30 is suggested, aligning with similar jurisdictions to ensure fairness. The commission emphasized the importance of this ordinance as an emergency measure, given the current risks posed by uncontrolled burning activities.

During the meeting, several commissioners raised concerns about the potential health hazards of outdoor burning, particularly in residential areas. Discussions included the need for stringent regulations and the possibility of prohibiting outdoor burning altogether. However, it was noted that certain areas of the city, particularly those with historical rural characteristics, may still allow for controlled burning under specific guidelines.

The commission also addressed the need for clarity in the language of the ordinance, particularly regarding the conditions under which outdoor burning would be permitted or prohibited, especially during declarations of extreme fire danger. Suggestions were made to refine the wording to ensure that the intent of the regulations is clear and enforceable.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to enhancing public safety through the establishment of a comprehensive outdoor burning ordinance. The commission plans to review the proposed regulations further and will continue to engage with community members and stakeholders to finalize the ordinance.