REMINDER: Burn ban in Redmond starting April 30 due to early wildfire season
Matthew Draxton
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Redmond Fire & Rescue will implement an outdoor debris burn ban starting at midnight on April 30, 2026. This measure is due to increasing wildfire risk and an early wildfire season in its district within Central Oregon.
Unseasonably warm and dry conditions, along with declining fuel moisture, have significantly elevated the potential for wildfires across the region. The closure aims to reduce the likelihood of human-caused wildfires during this period of heightened fire danger, which could quickly spread and threaten life, property and natural resources.
The outdoor debris burning closure prohibits all backyard or open burning, including burn barrels and the use of weed burners. Agricultural burning of wastes, crops, field burning and ditches is also banned. Additionally, any other land clearing, slash, stump, waste, debris or controlled burning and bonfires are prohibited.
The burn ban does not include small outdoor cooking, warming or recreational fires at residential properties. These fires, such as portable or permanent fire pits, fire tables and campfires, must have a maximum fuel area of three feet in diameter and two feet in height. They must be in a safe location away from combustibles or vegetation and fully extinguished after use. Barbeque grills, smokers and similar cooking appliances are also permitted when using clean, dry firewood, briquettes, wood chips, pellets, propane, natural gas or similar fuels.
Redmond Fire & Rescue urges residents to take wildfire prevention seriously. This includes fully extinguishing campfires, properly disposing of smoking materials and ensuring spark-arresting equipment is maintained. Alternative disposal options for yard debris, such as chipping, hauling or composting, are encouraged.
Public cooperation is critical to preventing wildfires and protecting Central Oregon communities during this early fire season.
If conditions change, additional restrictions may be put in place. Residents can follow Redmond Fire & Rescue’s website, Facebook and Instagram pages for current information. Updates on fire restrictions and wildfire conditions will be provided as conditions change.