Learn about open burning regulations in Salem and nearby areas. You can also download an Open Burning Permit application. For information about burning in the greater regional area, including Marion, Polk and Lincoln counties, visit the Regional Burning Information page.

Open Burning Regulations

Within the City of Salem

Open burning is not permitted within Salem city limits except for the following:

• Recreational Fires
  
  • Small fires for entertainment purposes only
  • Maximum size: 3 feet wide by 2 feet high
  • Only clean-burning wood products are allowed
  • Burning yard debris is not permitted
• Ceremonial Fires
  
  • Small fires for religious, cultural or special events
  • A written permit from the Salem Fire Department is required
• Agricultural Burning
  
  • Burning natural vegetative material for commercial agricultural operations only
  • A written permit from the Salem Fire Department is required

Within the Salem Suburban Rural Fire Protection District

• Residential Backyard Burning
  
  • Burning yard debris is permitted between:
    
    • March 1 to June 15
    • Oct. 1 to Dec. 15
• Agricultural Burning
  
  • Allowed for commercial agricultural operations only
  • No written permit is required
• Recreational and Ceremonial Fires
  
  • Permitted year-round
  • Only clean-burning wood products are allowed
  • Burning yard debris is not permitted

Exceptions may apply within Marion County inside the urban growth boundary. Visit Marion County Environmental Services for more details.

Safety Regulations for All Types of Open Burning

To ensure safety, follow these rules for all open burning:

• Fires must be constantly attended by a responsible person until fully extinguished
• Keep a water supply, shovel, rake or fire extinguisher nearby
• Fires must not be within 15 feet of any building, deck, fence or structure
• Fires between 15 and 25 feet from structures must:
  
  • Be in an approved burn receptacle
  • Be no larger than 3 feet wide by 2 feet high
• Fires between 26 and 50 feet from structures must be no larger than 4 feet wide by 3 feet high
• Backyard burning is limited to materials from trees, shrubs or plants grown in landscaped yards
• Call the Burning Information Line at 877-982-0011 daily to check if burning is allowed
• Burning may be prohibited due to weather or fire safety concerns

Reporting Illegal Burning

The Salem Fire Department can order the extinguishment of any open burning that creates or adds to a hazardous situation.

If you suspect illegal burning, call the non-emergency dispatch number at 503-763-1424 to report it.