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Clackamas County officials review burn‑season rules, urge residents to sign up for public alerts
Summary
County disaster and fire officials told commissioners that backyard vs. recreational versus agricultural burning are regulated differently, outlined DEQ/ODF burn‑season windows, and urged residents to sign up for Clackamas County public alerts; commissioners asked staff about local ordinances and resource limits.
County disaster management and fire officials briefed the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners on July 7 about local outdoor‑burning rules and how fire agencies coordinate during periods of heightened risk.
Daniel Neibauer, director of disaster management, told the board that regulations and restrictions vary by type and location of burning. "DEQ has a burn season, which runs March 1 to June 15, and then it's closed and then opens again October 1 to December 15," Neibauer said, noting those dates are tied to air‑quality and weather patterns. He explained the county follows Oregon Department of Forestry declarations and coordinates with the Clackamas Fire Defense Board on timing and public messaging.
Emergency Services Chief Dan Mulek, representing Clackamas Fire, described the operational limits local agencies face and emphasized prevention. "We're never going to eliminate [the risk], but our job ... is to minimize that risk," Mulek said, noting the county lacks statutory authority to extinguish a confined legal recreational fire but relies on messaging, Panocam detection and partnerships with utilities to reduce incidents.
Commissioners raised questions about the effect of fee waivers and permitted alcohol at park events, the vulnerability of hilly terrain and holiday short‑term rentals to backyard fires, and whether the county or cities would need ordinances to impose broader restrictions. Neibauer and Chief Mulek urged use of the county's public alert system and local preparedness: Neibauer directed residents to the county "public alerts" signup page on clackamas.us to receive evacuation or shelter guidance.
The session was informational; no new county ordinance was adopted. Staff said they would notify the board if local fire districts or water or power providers identified capacity or enforcement issues that require further action.
