Washington County Burn Ban in Effect as Fire Season Gets Underway

While the weather has been cooler and more humid so far this summer, you knew it wouldn't last - and it hasn't. So, starting Friday, Fie Season will get underway this Friday.

That means as of 1:00 a.m. on Friday - a burn ban is in effect for Washington County.

The Oregon department of Forestry says that means outdoor burning is absolutely prohibited until further notice.

Things like cooking outdoors with a gas grill or solid fuel barbecue are exempt from this ban as are small warming or recreational fires.

Local fire departments will have the authority to extend the ban depending on weather circumstances. if it gets hotter and drier, the cooking exemptions may be taken away.

While Washington County has not had he same level of devastating fires that have been seen in other parts of the state, they have had problems. And many of the fires in Washington County have been caused by people doing things like improperly disposing of smoking materials and leaving campfires unattended.

Photo Forest Grove Fire