(PORTLAND, Ore.) A new burn ban went into effect across the Portland metro area Friday in anticipation of hot and dry conditions in the coming days, KATU reports.
The high fire danger burn ban went into effect at noon Friday and covers the Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue service area, including areas in Washington, Multnomah, Clackamas and Yamhill counties.
With the burn ban in place, all outdoor burning is banned. This includes backyard or open burning and agricultural burning, as well as any other land clearing or controlled burning.
BBQ grills and smokers, as well as small campfires with a diameter of three feet or less are still allowed.
Clackamas County has banned all backyard burning until the fall season to prevent fires during the summer.
Those who violate the burn ban could potentially have to pay fines and legal fees.
For more details about Oregon Department of Forestry's fire restrictions, click here.