Wildfire Danger Level For:
August 25, 2026
High Fire Danger
- Fires start readily and spread quickly.
- Fires in forests can ignite small groups of trees (group torching) and spread for short distances in tree crowns (short crowning runs).
- Flames in the surface part of the fire can easily exceed 4 feet and may exceed 8 feet.
- Fires in dry grass spread very quickly with flames of 10 to 20 feet, especially where shrubs are also burning.
- Spotting is common and can occur some distance from the main fire.
- Unattended campfires are likely to escape a fire ring or fire pit and sparks are likely to start fires in dry grass and needles.
Burn Dates
Projected burn dates are March 1 through June 15 and October 15 through December 15. These dates are subject to change due to weather conditions.
During the projected fire season (July 15th through October 14th) Molalla Fire District has the authority to prohibit agricultural burning when there is a bona fide fire danger.
If any two factors apply, Molalla Fire District will issue a Fire Danger Burn Ban:
- Predicted temperature 85 degrees or higher
- Predicted humidity of 25% or less
- Predicted winds 10 MPH or higher
Allowed Burning Types
Within three (3) miles of the Molalla City Limits or inside the special DEQ control area:
Back Yard Debris
Back Yard burning, including a burn barrel or incinerator, may be conducted with a valid Fire permit. Burning may only be conducted on days approved by DEQ and Molalla Fire District.
Construction & Demolition
Construction and Demolition Material open burning is prohibited within 3 miles of the city limits. OAR 340-264-120
Outside Three (3) miles of the Molalla City Limits or outside of the special control area:
Domestic
Domestic open burning, including a burn barrel or incinerator, with a valid Fire permit. Burning may only be conducted on days approved by DEQ and Molalla Fire District.
Domestic open burning, including a burn barrel or incinerator, with a valid Fire permit. Burning may only be conducted on days approved by DEQ and Molalla Fire District.
General Burning Prohibitions
As per DEQ regulations, the following materials may not be burned at any time: clothing, wet garbage, plastic, wire, insulation, automobile parts, asphalt, petroleum treated materials, rubber products, animal
remains or animal or vegetable matter resulting from the handling, preparation, cooking or service of
food, or of any other material which normally emits dense smoke or noxious odors.
No person shall cause or allow to be initiated or maintained any open burning during hours not authorized by D.E.Q. and/or the local fire jurisdiction.
General Requirements
Open burning shall not be conducted within 50’ of any structure or other combustible material. (2014 OFC 307.4)
Exception 1. Not less than 15’ when burning is conducted in an approved burning device.
Exception 2. Not less than 25’ when pile size is 3’ or less in diameter and2‘or less in height.
- A garden hose connected to a water supply or other approved fire-extinguishing equipment shall be readily available for use at any burning site.
- Burning material shall beconstantly attended by a person knowledgeable in the use of the fire-extinguishing equipment required by Sec 307.5 of the 2014 OFC and be familiar with the permit limitations which restrict open burning.
- An attendant shall supervise the burning material until the firehas been extinguished.
- Molalla Fire District is authorized to require that open burning be immediately discontinued if atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous. (2014 OFC 307.1.1,& 307.3). The offence(s) may be referred to DEQ for further action.
Recreational Fires
Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material. Conditions which could cause a fire to spread to within 25 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition. (2014 OFC 307.4.2) During the projected burn ban season (June 15th through October 14th) a special permit will be required for recreational fires.
Prior to burning call:
Effective Friday June 12th, 2026 at 5:00pm.
All burning is CLOSED for the season.