St. Helens 2026 Spring Burn Dates

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 27, 2026

St. Helens, Ore. – The spring burn period for residential open burning in the city limits of St. Helens will begin earlier than usual this year due to elevated fire danger in 2026 due to low snowpack and a dry winter. The spring burn period will begin on Saturday, April 11, running from April 11-26, 2026.

Burn periods are established for residents to burn yard debris. Burn periods do not apply to activities such as using a charcoal barbecue or recreational outdoor fire pit.

Burning household garbage, plastics, petroleum products, and rubber products is not allowed. Burning may only be conducted during daylight hours. The use of burn barrels is not permitted.

Before burning anything in your yard, a burn permit must be obtained through Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRF&R). Residential burn permits are available through CRF&R’s website at www.crfr.com/burn-information.

Due to the increasing threat of brush fires over the last decade, it is extremely important to be aware of burn bans and exercise caution when creating an outdoor fire. Burn bans may still be in effect even if you have obtained a burn permit. Always check the burn line at 503-397-4800 to find out if it is an open burn day.

Columbia River Fire & Rescue urges you to take the following safety precautions when conducting an outdoor burn:

• Place yard debris in an open area away from structures, trees, and power lines.
• Create small piles (4’ x 4’) to better manage the burn.
• Cover unburned portions of piles with polyethylene plastic (landscape material) to keep a portion dry for lighting later (during the City’s fall burn period).
• When conditions improve, check with your local fire agency for any regulations in place.
• Never burn under windy conditions.
• To maintain containment, create a perimeter around the pile at a minimum of 3 feet, scraped clear to bare mineral soil.
• Keep a shovel and charged hose nearby to manage the burn.
• Make sure the pile is dead out before leaving.
• Return periodically over several weeks to make sure the pile is still out: No heat, no smoke.

Burn permits last for one year from the date of issue. However, there are only two authorized burn periods within St. Helens city limits, on the first Saturday in May for 16 consecutive days and the third Saturday in October for 16 consecutive days. St. Helens burn dates are occasionally moved for fire safety reasons. 

For further information regarding the St. Helens spring burn period, please search for Outdoor Burning (SHMC 8.36) at www.codepublishing.com/OR/sthelens/ or contact the Columbia River Fire and Rescue’s Administrative Office at 503-397-2990.

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For further information regarding the City of St. Helens spring burn period, please contact Communications Officer Crystal King at cking@sthelensoregon.gov.