Outdoor burning season officially begins at 10 a.m. Oct. 11, marking the official end of wildfire season in Lane County.
It is now legal for Lane County residents to light fires outdoors. The date is a joint determination of the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency, Lane Fire Board and Oregon Department of Forestry.
Matt Sorenson, LRAPA public affairs manager, said the agencies chose to delay the start of the season because of an abnormally dry 2025, leading to elevated fire risk lingering into the start of this month.
Firefighters watch from below as the Foley Ridge Fire burns in the hills above east of Springfield Sept. 18, 2025.
Where can outdoor burning occur?
The opportunity to burn is primarily open to residents of rural Lane County. Local regulations still apply to more urban areas:
No burning is allowed on properties in Eugene and Florence city limits.
If you’re outside Eugene’s city limits but inside its urban growth boundary, you can only burn if your property is at least 2 acres.
Properties inside Springfield and its urban growth boundary must be at least a half-acre to participate.
Properties within the urban growth boundaries of Eugene, Springfield and Oakridge have a narrow fall burning season that ends Oct. 31.
Matt Sorenson, LRAPA public affairs manager, told Lane County residents who participate to “burn smart” by burning small, dry piles (no garbage, treated wood or green waste) with a 10-foot safety zone, watching the fire with water and shovel ready, and extinguishing the fire completely before dark.
Before burning, you should also check if there’s a burn advisory that day by going online at lrapa-or.gov/air-quality-protection/burning-overview/ or calling 541-726-3976 and contacting your local fire district. LRAPA said not following these rules can result in fines that can exceed $2,500.
Sorenson added Lane Forest Products, Rexius and Lane County’s transfer stations accept yard debris and serve as an alternative to outdoor burning.
Alan Torres covers local government for the Register-Guard. He can be reached by email at atorres@registerguard.com, on X @alanfryetorres or on Reddit at u/AlfrytRG.
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Outdoor burning season opens in Lane County