Fire season in the City of Grants Pass officially concludes on Tuesday, October 14, at 12:01 a.m., marking the end of all public regulated use restrictions within city limits. Over the course of the season, Grants Pass Fire responded to 48 grass fire reports within the city, as well as three statewide conflagration calls coordinated by the Oregon State Fire Marshal. Those statewide responses accounted for nine total deployment days. Thanks to swift local response and favorable conditions, all grass fires within the city were contained to less than one-tenth of an acre, preventing any incidents from escalating into larger emergencies.
With the end of fire season, the fall open burn window has been scheduled from Saturday, October 25, through Sunday, November 2. Beginning Wednesday, October 22, residents will be able to apply for burn permits either online or in person. Online permits are available through the Grants Pass Fire Community Connect portal, which allows residents to create an account and receive permits digitally. Those preferring in-person service can visit the Grants Pass Fire office at 800 E Park Street during regular business hours, which are 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., starting October 22.
The city emphasizes that open burning is only allowed when the Department of Environmental Quality’s ventilation index for the airshed is 400 or higher. This index helps determine whether atmospheric conditions will allow smoke to disperse adequately, minimizing air quality impacts on the community. Residents are responsible for verifying airshed conditions prior to burning. The most current information is available each morning after 7:00 a.m. by calling the Burn Line at 541-476-9663 (option 3).
The conclusion of fire season not only reflects successful fire prevention and response efforts but also signals the transition to cooler weather, which generally brings reduced wildfire risk. The burn window provides a limited opportunity for property owners to conduct controlled burns of yard debris before winter sets in, but it also comes with strict requirements to ensure public safety and air quality standards are maintained. Residents are encouraged to follow all guidelines carefully and to obtain permits in advance to avoid delays or potential violations.
By planning ahead, adhering to the ventilation index requirements, and staying informed through official channels, residents can take advantage of the open burn period responsibly while contributing to community safety as the fire season draws to a close.