Linn County Bans All Burning Due to Extreme Wildfire Danger

LINN COUNTY Ore. (KPTV) – Starting Saturday, all open flames, including campfires, fire pits and campfires, are prohibited in Linn County due to the high fire danger in the area, the Lebanon Fire District announced.

According to the district, the Linn County Fire Defense Board, which represents Albany, Lebanon, Sweet Home, Scio, Tangent, Brownsville, Halsey-Shedd and Harrisburg, issued an immediate burn ban at 7 p.m. Saturday after a Red Flag Warning was issued for the area. Officials said dry conditions, high temperatures and the threat of lightning strikes have created an extreme fire hazard for the area.

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Governor Tina Kotek said at a news conference Friday morning that more than 100 fires were ignited in Oregon by thunderstorms earlier this week.

The ban applies to all types of open fires, but gas barbecues are still permitted.

In addition, authorities advised people to avoid using power equipment, such as lawn mowers, weed trimmers, welders and grinders, during the early, cooler part of the day. People using gas-powered equipment were also asked to ensure that there is a water source nearby.

The ban on burning remains in effect until further notice.