Open/barrel burning contributes to air pollution in the Rogue Valley, particularly during air stagnation episodes. Before open/barrel burning, please consider alternatives to open burning. If you decide to burn, it is important to follow the proper guidelines.
Open/barrel burning is prohibited...
-Throughout Jackson County when the Ventilation Index (VI)* is inadequate or when there are fire danger risks (e.g.,high winds).
-Within the Air Quality Maintenance Area during November, December, January and February.
-Within the city limits of Medford, Jacksonville, Phoenix, and Talent.
*The VI is the National Weather Service's indicator of the relative degree of air circulation for a specified area and time period. Basically, it is a measurement of the air's ability to "clean" itself.
NOTE: NO OPEN/BARREL BURNING IS ALLOWED IN JACKSON COUNTY DURING FIRE SEASON.
Burning of the following are prohibited:
Household garbage, plastic, wire insulation, automobile parts, asphalt, petroleum products or treated materials, rubber, asbestos, animal remains, animal or vegetable matter resulting from the handling, preparation, cooking or service of food, any material which emits dense smoke or noxious odors.
Steps to Successful Open/Barrel Burning
1. Determine if you live inside or ouside the The Air Quality Maintenance Area (AQMA). The AQMA boundary is the same as the Department of Environmental Quality's Inspection and Maintenance Boundary (I&M Boundary). If you have to take your vehicle to the I&M Station, you're in the AQMA. See map of the AQMA.
2. Contact the appropriate Fire Protection Agency to obtain a burn permit. Follow permit requirements. If you don't know which fire district you live in, see map of fire districts.
3. If you are inside a city, call the appropriate city number.
4. Call the open/barrel burn advisory at 541-776-7007 to hear the daily burn status.