GRANTS PASS, OR. — The City of Grants Pass has announced the dates for its Spring 2025 Open Burn Window, offering residents within city limits a nine-day period to conduct open burning on their properties. The window will run from May 3 through May 11, 2025, providing an opportunity for homeowners to dispose of accumulated yard debris.
Open burn windows are held twice a year—once in the spring and once in the fall—to allow for the safe and regulated burning of woody vegetation, such as branches and limbs, that build up during the colder months. However, the City of Grants Pass strongly encourages residents to explore alternative methods of disposal, such as composting, chipping, or taking yard waste to a local recycling center, in order to reduce the environmental impact of open burning.
Permits are mandatory for any resident wishing to burn during the designated window. Starting Tuesday, April 30, 2025, residents may apply for permits online through the Grants Pass Fire Community Connect portal at https://sizeup.firstduesizeup.com/cc/grants/auth/signin. For those who prefer to obtain a permit in person, walk-in applications will be accepted beginning the same day at the Fire Department office located at 800 E Park Street. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Residents with questions are encouraged to contact the Grants Pass Fire Prevention Bureau at 541-450-6200 ext. 1.
For those who live outside the city limits but within Josephine County, burning regulations may differ. These residents must contact their respective fire departments to determine whether a permit is required. Regardless of location, open burning is only permitted when air quality conditions meet state requirements. Specifically, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) mandates that the ventilation index for the airshed must be at least 400 for burning to occur.
To verify if burning is allowed on a particular day, residents are advised to check the current airshed conditions. The most accurate and up-to-date information is available by calling the Josephine County Burn Line at 541-476-9663 (541-476-WOOD), option 3, after 7:00 a.m. each day.
Proper disposal of yard debris is an ongoing concern in the region. In lieu of burning, residents are encouraged to utilize services offered by local sanitation companies. Republic Services can be reached at 541-479-3371, and Southern Oregon Sanitation is available at 541-479-5335. Both offer green waste options and collection services that may serve as more environmentally friendly alternatives to burning.
The City of Grants Pass emphasizes responsible burning practices and appreciates the community’s cooperation in adhering to permit requirements and air quality guidelines. By working together, residents can safely manage yard waste while minimizing environmental risks and fire hazards.