Open Burning Prohibited on Umatilla Indian Reservation Starting June 19

MISSION – The Umatilla Tribal Fire Department (UTFD) is prohibiting any open burning on the Umatilla Indian Reservation (UIR) beginning June 19.

UTFD Chief James Hall said the burn ban will remain in effect until the end of the fire season or until conditions allow the restriction to be lifted.

“Fire season has developed earlier than normal due to a combination of well-above average spring temperatures, prolonged drying conditions and a significantly below-average mountain snowpack throughout Eastern Oregon and the Blue Mountains,” Hall said. “Reduced snowpack has resulted in lower soil moisture levels, earlier curing of grasses and vegetation and increased wildfire potential across the region.”

The ban includes debris burning, burning of yard waste, burning in barrels, disposal fires and any other unauthorized open burning activities. Sweathouse and ceremonial fires are exempt from the burn ban. However, these types of fires must be reported and approved via verbal authorization. Permits may be obtained by calling the Umatilla Tribal Dispatch at 541-278-0550. Approval will be based on current weather conditions, fire danger levels and available firefighting resources.

For information regarding agricultural burning, air quality regulations or burn permit requirements, call the CTUIR Office of Air Quality at 541-429-7080.

In fire-related news, according CTUIR Emergency Management, the UTFD at approximately 1:50 p.m. responded to a wind-driven fire off Old Emigrant Hill Road, about 2 miles south of St. Andrews Road. Other firefighting agencies were responding with some on the scene.

Residents have been notified in the area, but no immediate structures were in danger at the time, Emergency Management officials said.

According to the Watch Duty app, which provides information about fires across the United States, the vegetation fire has consumed about 450 acres as of around 2:30 p.m.

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation is comprised of the Cayuse, Walla Walla and Umatilla Tribes, and formed under the Treaty of 1855 at the Walla Walla Valley, 12 Stat. 945. In 1949, the Tribes adopted a constitutional form of government to protect, preserve and enhance the reserved treaty rights guaranteed under federal law.

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