Burn Ban in Effect

Effective July 5, 2018, at 1:00 am, the Washington County Fire Defense Board, in cooperation with the Oregon Department of Forestry, has enacted a burn ban in Washington County. The burn ban will remain in effect until weather conditions minimize the fire danger.

The burn ban includes the following:

• Backyard burning (yard debris, etc.),
• Agricultural burning,
• Land clearing or slash burning.

The burn ban does not include "recreational fires" such as:

• Small backyard fire pits (maximum 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high),
• Outdoor fireplaces and portable fireplaces,
• Oregon-legal fireworks and permitted fireworks displays.

Individuals intending to burn in this manner should use extreme caution and clear all combustible vegetation and materials from the area. Additionally, all recreational fires must be constantly attended until the fire is fully extinguished.

Individuals found to be in violation of these requirements during the burn ban may be held liable for the cost of extinguishment and any property damage resulting from an illegal fire.

Washington County residents are urged to use extreme caution with fireworks, smoking materials, barbecues, and other open flames.

If conditions worsen, local fire jurisdictions may ban recreational fires as well. For questions and additional information about outdoor burning or fireworks in specific fire jurisdictions within Washington County, contact one of the following agencies. For questions about campfires associated with camping in the state forest land along Highways 6 and 26, please refer to Oregon Department of Forestry office at (503) 357-2191.

Loaner Chimney Brush

To help district residents keep their chimneys and/or stovepipes clean and free of debris, Gaston Fire is providing a Chimney Brush Lending Program. Stop by the station to pick up a chimney brush. They can be checked out for 24 hours, and must be returned within this time. Contact Us at the station if you have any questions.

Board Meetings

The Gaston Rural Fire District holds its monthly Board Meeting on the second Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm at the fire station, 102 East Main Street. These meetings are open to the public with agendas being posted the preceding Monday at the station.