Wildfire Season

As of 1 a.m. Friday, August 4, the Fire Danger Level is raised to High in Clatsop County. Fire Season began 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 14, in Clatsop County.

This page is your resource for updates when we experience extreme heat, poor air quality, power outages, wildfires or any evacuations.

Find out how to keep cool when temperatures rise.

Review our tips so you are prepared and know what to do if wildfires break out.

Stay healthy and protect loved ones if wildfire smoke come our way.

Clatsop County is partnering with the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM), Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Clatsop County Fire Defense Board and local fire services in a Wildfire Awareness campaign to encourage, empower and inform Oregonians to help prevent and prepare for wildfire.

Supporting Documents

Beginning 1 a.m. Friday, August 4, the Oregon Department of Forestry will increase Clatsop County’s fire danger level to High (yellow) due to warmer weather temperatures. Open debris burn has been prohibited since fire season began June 14.

“We want to make sure people know that our forests and communities are at high risk for wildfires so we will be sending out a ClatsopAlerts! notification later today,” said Clatsop County Emergency Management Director Justin Gibbs. Visit ClatsopCounty.gov to sign up for ClatsopAlerts!

This alert and wildfire awareness campaign is a collaborative effort of Clatsop County, the Fire Defense Board and the Oregon Department of Forestry.

While fire danger is high:

There is a complete ban on the use of burn barrels in Clatsop County.
Residential campfires only will be allowed in the cities. Residents outside city limits with a campfire waiver issued by the Oregon Department of Forestry will be allowed.
All OHV trails in the Nicolai Mountain OHV Riding Area will close 1 p.m. daily during High (yellow) Fire Danger level.
All campfires and barbeques will be prohibited in dispersed campsites.

At this time, campfires will be allowed on the beaches, however, they must be at least 50 feet from any beach grass or structure.

For up-to-date information about fire season requirements, call 503-325-5451.

For other campgrounds, check with the corresponding ODF office. To find out more about public restrictions visit the Oregon Dept. of Forestry.

Fireworks, exploding targets/tracer ammunition, sky lanterns are prohibited at all levels during fire season.

Public Restrictions Website:

https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx

As warmer weather increases the temperatures in the northwest corner of the state, fire managers are increasing the fire danger level to Moderate (blue) for Public Use Restrictions in the Northwest 1, 2, and 3 (NW-1, NW-2, and NW-3) weather zones. This change is effective at 1 a.m. Thursday, June 29.

Campfires will only be allowed at designated camping sites. Dispersed campfires will no longer be allowed. Motorists traveling on forest roads are required to have a shovel and one gallon of water or a 2.5 lb. or larger ABC fire extinguisher. Non–industrial use of chain saws is allowed.

In conjunction with the county fire chiefs, a county wide burn ban remains in effect.

Open debris burning has not be allowed since June 14. Burn barrels require a burning permit, which can be obtained through the Oregon Department of Forestry or a local fire department depending on the location of the residence.

For rural residences using burn barrels: Only metal barrels in good condition covered by heavy mesh screens with holes no larger than ¼ inch are acceptable. A charged water supply and hand tools are required to be on site.

The Industrial Fire Precaution levels (IFPL) for NW-1, NW-2, and NW-3 will remain at a level I, with a 1-hour fire watch required.

For up-to-date recorded information about fire season requirements, call 503-325-7215. To request a burning permit or obtain additional information, call 503-325-5451 during business hours.

Public Restrictions Website:

https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx

The Oregon Military Department and cooperating Clatsop County Fire Agencies will conduct a prescribed burn 9 a.m. Saturday, June 25 and 9 a.m. Sunday, June 26 at Camp Rilea. Smoke may be visible to the public.

The prescribed burn is called 2023 Rx. Smoke will be visible to the public for three to four days until the fire is completely extinguished.
The public will not have access to the area at Camp Rilea and prescribed burn signage will be posted on Hwy 101.
The prescribed burn is being done to reduce the fuels/vegetation on a susceptible wildfire prone area. The area is adjacent to a machine gun firing range that often causes fires while in use.
Visit AirNow.gov to find out what the air quality is where you are and steps you can take to protect yourself in smoky areas.

Wildfire Season

Supporting Documents

Fire Danger Level Raised to High in Clatsop County- August 4, 2023

Fire Danger Level Raised to Moderate in Northwest Oregon - June 29

Camp Rilea Prescribed Burn - June 24 and June 25, 2023

Clatsop County Emergency Management

Public Health Department

Public Works