Burn Information

Backyard Burning in Salem/Keizer Urban Growth Boundary

In an effort to reduce air pollution in areas of higher population contained within the Salem/Keizer Urban Growth Boundary (UGB), the Marion County Board of Commissioners has adopted an ordinance that prohibits the burning of yard debris within the UGB with a few exclusions and permitted exceptions.

The City of Salem adopted a similar ordinance in 1993, updated in 2006, that bans backyard burning within the city limits. The new county ordinance was adopted in December of 2008. You can learn more about the Marion County Backyard Burning Ordinance No. 1279 by calling 503-588-5169 or on the web at www.co.marion.or.us/pw/es

ALTERNATIVES TO BURNING – BACKYARD COMPOSTING

Turn your yard waste into a valuable, rich soil amendment for your garden. Efficient, low-cost composters are available year-round at Marion County Juvenile Department’s Fresh Start Market at 3020 Center St. NE, Salem. The County also sponsors a yearly truckload composter sale at multiple locations around the County on the first Saturday in May. For more information about composters and how to compost, call 503-588-5169.

CURBSIDE YARD WASTE PICK-UP

Curbside yard waste pick-up is included for all residents who subscribe to garbage services inside the UGB. The following items may be placed in the green roll cart; yard pruning, twigs, and small sticks, leaves and pine needles, grass clippings and garden, fruit and vegetable scraps (no other food waste). Contact your garbage hauler for more details.

TRANSFER STATION DROP-OFF

Large quantities of yard waste can be dropped off at both the Salem/Keizer and North Marion Recycling and Transfer stations. Call 503-588-5169 for hours and locations.

ILLEGAL BURNING REPORTING

Illegal burning in Marion County should be reported to non-emergency dispatch by calling 503-588-5032. Please do not call 911 to report neighbors conducting backyard burning. Marion County Fire District will not respond to burning complaints unless there is a significant danger of damage to life or property.

HIGH-RISK HOSTILE/THREATENING FIRES

Please call 911 for any hostile fire that is not attended to and may threaten lives or property. We will continue to respond to any fire reported as hostile and out of control or threatening lives or property. We will respond to any fires during the typical summer “no-burning” season as well. If you encounter an out-of-control or high-risk fire that is of serious concern, please call 911.

ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY FOR ILLEGAL BACKYARD BURNING

The fire districts do not have statutory authority to enforce regulations prohibiting backyard burning
Enforcement options may be pursued by calling:
Marion County Code Enforcement at 503-373-4333
Department of Environmental Quality at 503-378-5085 or 503-378-8240

Download PDFs

OPEN BURNING RULES

MARION COUNTY UGB BURN BAN BROCHURE

MARION COUNTY BURN BAN ORDINANCE

DEQ BURN BARREL FACTS

The Marion County Fire Defense Board will relax some of the burn ban restrictions starting October 1, 2020. Backyard/Open Burning is delayed until at least October 15th.

Click here: Effective October 1, 2020 – Burn Ban Restriction Update