Click HERE to download a PDF file of the City of Salem open burning regulations.
Within the City of Salem
No open burning is permitted within the Salem city limits at any time except:
Recreational fires – Small (maximum 3’ diameter by 2’ in height) fires for entertainment purposes only. Clean-burning wood products only. No burning of yard debris is permitted.
Ceremonial fires – Small fires for religious, cultural, or special events. A written permit issued by the Salem Fire Department is required.
Agricultural burning – Burning of natural vegetative material for commercial agricultural operations only. A written permit issued by the Salem Fire Department is required.
Within the Salem Suburban Rural Fire Protection District
Residential backyard burning of yard debris is permitted between March 1st and June 15th, and again between October 1st and December 15th.
Agricultural burning (for commercial agricultural operations only) is allowed. No written permit is needed.
Recreational and ceremonial fires are permitted anytime. No written permit is needed. Clean-burning wood products only. No burning of yard debris is permitted.
Safety Regulations for All Types of Open Burning
The fire must be constantly attended by a responsible person until it is extinguished.
A water supply (hose or bucket of water), shovel, rake and/or fire extinguisher must be readily available.
No burning is allowed within 15 feet of any building, combustible deck, fence, or other structure.
Any burning located between 15 and 25 feet to any building, combustible deck, etc. must be in an approved burn receptacle and limited to not larger than 3’ by 2’ in size.
Any burning located between 26 and 50 feet to any building, combustible deck, etc. must be limited to not larger than 4’ by 3’ in size.
Backyard/open burning (not allowed inside the City of Salem) is limited to materials from trees, shrubs, or plants that grow in a landscaped yard (grass clippings, tree leaves/needles, small branches, shrub clippings).
Call the Burning Information Number 503-588-6420 each day to verify if open burning is authorized. Open burning may not be allowed based on atmospheric conditions or fire safety considerations.
Burning Violations
If a violation of open burning rules occurs, the Salem Fire Department is authorized to order the fire extinguished or to extinguish the fire itself.
Salem Fire Department 370 Trade St SE Salem, Oregon 97301 503-588-6245
