As fall settles into Grants Pass, residents are reminded that open burning within city limits is strictly regulated and only permitted during designated burn windows under approved conditions. The city’s Fire Prevention Bureau oversees these controlled periods to ensure safety and air quality compliance across the region.
The City of Grants Pass has established two open burn windows each year—one in the spring and one in the fall. This year’s fall burn window is scheduled for October 25 through November 2. During these nine days, residents may burn approved yard debris such as dry leaves, branches, and brush, but only after obtaining an official burn permit. The permit process helps the city track burn activity and ensure compliance with environmental standards.
Burning is not allowed at any other time of year within city limits. Even during an open burn period, daily conditions must meet safety and air-quality thresholds before lighting any fire. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality ventilation index must reach 400 or higher for burning to be allowed. The Fire Marshal may suspend burning at any time due to weather conditions, air stagnation, or fire danger.
Strict safety rules also apply. Burn piles must consist only of natural yard debris—no construction materials, household trash, plastics, or treated wood. Fires must be supervised at all times, equipped with water or extinguishing tools nearby, and fully extinguished before sunset. Piles must be manageable in size and located safely away from structures, trees, and property lines.
Recreational fires, such as those in backyard fire pits, are allowed year-round under separate guidelines. However, these must use only dry, seasoned firewood and be contained in a non-combustible structure. Burning yard waste, leaves, or garbage in a recreational fire pit remains prohibited.
The city encourages residents to check the daily burn status before lighting any fire by visiting grantspassoregon.gov or contacting the Fire Prevention Bureau directly. Failure to comply with the city’s open burning regulations may result in fines or enforcement actions.
By following these guidelines and respecting the city’s controlled burn windows, residents can safely dispose of seasonal yard debris while protecting air quality and preventing accidental fires during Southern Oregon’s dry fall months.