Winston Proposes Replacing Fixed Yard-Waste Burning Months With Fire Restriction Standards
Winston is considering replacing its four designated yard-waste burning months with rules based on current fire restrictions. The proposal would allow burning outside those months when permitted, while keeping fire bans, permit requirements, and other safeguards in place.
WINSTON, Ore. - Winston residents could have more flexibility in when they burn yard waste under a proposed ordinance that would replace the city’s four designated burning months with rules tied to current fire restrictions.
The city’s existing code allows residential yard-waste burning during April, May, October, and November, subject to other burning regulations. Draft Ordinance No. 26-726 would remove that calendar limit and allow burning whenever fire restrictions and other requirements permit it.
The draft lists a first reading before the Winston City Council on Monday, October 5.
For residents, the change would mean checking whether burning is allowed before lighting a pile, regardless of the month. Burning could be permitted outside the four designated months, but an October or April date would not give someone permission to burn during a ban.
The proposal would require residents to check Douglas Forest Protective Association and Central Douglas Fire & Rescue restrictions immediately before starting a fire. Any required permits, burning hours, equipment, and safety measures would still apply.
During fire season, residents could not burn yard waste when DFPA restrictions prohibit debris burning. If burning is allowed only with a written permit, that permit would have to be obtained first.
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality rules would also remain in place, including restrictions on materials, smoke, and air quality. When requirements differ, the most restrictive rule would apply.
The amendment covers yard waste generated on the property where it is burned. It would leave the rest of Winston’s burning code in place and would not override other burning prohibitions.
According to the draft, the goal is to bring the city’s rules into line with DFPA’s use of fire-season declarations and changing restrictions instead of fixed months.
If adopted, the ordinance would take effect 30 days later.
The draft ordinance is available on the City of Winston’s website.
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