** Thank you for staying home and saving lives. We hope you will voluntarily skip any unnecessary fires. Smoke from fires can affect you and your neighbors in various ways and make symptoms and recovery from COVID-19 more difficult.**

Seasonal Wood Burning Restrictions

En Español: Restricciones de Quema de Madera en Invierno

Wood stoves

Fireplaces

Outdoor fire pits

Chimeneas

From October 1 through March 1, homeowners, renters and businesses in Multnomah County cannot use wood stoves, fireplaces or any outdoor wood burning devices on days when the air quality is forecasted to be poor. This includes:

There are exceptions for those who use wood exclusively to heat their homes, those with limited income, and during emergencies such as a power outage. Households with an exception should apply for an exemption each year. There are no restrictions on wood or charcoal used for cooking.

Burning wood is one of the biggest sources of harmful air pollution in Multnomah County. By not burning if you don’t need to, we can help keep the air healthy for children and people with asthma and other serious breathing conditions.

Wood smoke restrictions are common in other communities around Oregon, and are designed to protect public health and keep our region in compliance with national air quality standards.

If You Burn Wood in Fall and Winter

Check air quality conditions and burn status every time before you burn. Red means “stop.” Yellow means "limit". Green means “ok”.

If poor air quality is expected, Multnomah County will issue a burn restriction (red) day, which will take effect by noon the same day. Watch for messages on this page, social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, Nextdoor) and local news media.

Sign up to receive burn restriction alerts via email»

Wood Is the Only Way to Heat My Home

Burning restrictions do not apply to you if you only have a wood stove or fireplace to heat your main living space. If wood is your sole source of heat, you can apply for an exemption.

But, if your home has a permanently installed and working furnace or heating system--even if it’s disconnected from its fuel source--wood is not considered a sole source of heat. You cannot burn wood when red day restrictions are in effect.

To apply for an exemption, call 503.988.0035 or email woodsmokecomplaints@multco.us.

My Heating System Is Too Costly

Burning restrictions do not apply to you if your total household income is 60% or less than the Oregon median income. You can apply for an exemption.

To apply for an exemption, call 503.988.0035 or email woodsmokecomplaints@multco.us.

Emergency Conditions

Burning restrictions do not apply in the event of a power outage, service interruption or shortage, or failure of your main heating system. You can also burn wood if your heating system is overwhelmed by very cold temperatures and can’t make enough heat.

To apply for an emergency or temporary exemption, call 503.988.0035 or email woodsmokecomplaints@multco.us.

You Can Still Grill Out

The new ordinance does not apply to charcoal grills, smokers or wood fired ovens, so long as you’re only using them to cook food.

Wood Smoke Complaints

Call 503-988-0035 or email woodsmokecomplaints@multco.us to report a violation of a wood-burning curtailment. We will respond within 1-2 business days.

More Information

Multnomah County Wood Smoke Ordinance (92.26 KB)

Wood Smoke Season Review 2018-2019 (1.5 MB)

Wood Smoke Exemption Application (639.62 KB)

Contact Us

Environmental Health Services

847 NE 19th Ave, Suite 350

Portland OR 97232 (MAP)

503-988-0035

woodsmokecomplaints@multco.us