Imbler Rural Fire Department

06/03/2026

🔥 Due to increasing fire danger, Union County has entered into regulated use fire season effective today, June 3, 2026.

Open burning is now prohibited except for regulated agricultural field burning and authorized prescribed fires.

Residents are encouraged to use caution with any activity that could spark a fire.

Read the full press release below for additional information on fire season regulations and restrictions.

Union County Early Entry into Regulated Use Fire Season Begins June 3

At the June 3, 2026 Commission meeting, the Union County Board of Commissioners approved a request from the Union County Fire Defense Board to enter into regulated use fire season effective immediately. The regulated use fire season will remain in effect through September 30, 2026, unless extended or modified.

During regulated use fire season, open burning is prohibited except for regulated agricultural field burning and authorized prescribed fires.

Residents are encouraged to review the requirements of Union County Burn Ordinance 2024-02 and exercise caution with any activity that could spark a fire.

Key regulations in Ordinance 2024-02 include:
• Burn barrel use is allowed only between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
• Burn barrels must be located in cleared areas with a 10-foot radius free of flammable material and at least 25 feet from any structure.
• Burn barrels must be equipped with a heavy metal screen and attended at all times with water and a shovel immediately available.
• Burning is prohibited on windy days.
• Recreational fires are permitted only in approved fire rings less than six feet in diameter and must be constantly attended until fully extinguished.
• Oregon Department of Forestry permit requirements apply in ODF-protected areas.

Should extreme fire danger develop, the Union County Board of Commissioners may enact additional restrictions, including a complete ban on outdoor fires outside incorporated cities, upon recommendation of the Union County Fire Defense Board.

In addition, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) will enter fire season on June 8, 2026 and implement fire season restrictions on lands protected by ODF. These restrictions apply to ODF-protected lands in Union, Baker, Wallowa, Umatilla, and parts of Malheur, Morrow, and Grant counties.

Current fire information is available from the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center at www.bmidc.org.

To report a fire: Call (541) 963-7171 or dial 9-1-1.

Ordinance available at www.unioncountyor.gov

05/27/2026

🔥 Union County Fire Officials Recommend Early Entry Into Regulated Fire Season

Due to increasingly dry conditions throughout the county, the Union County Fire Defense Board will recommend that the Union County Board of Commissioners enter into an early regulated fire season during the June 3, 2026 Commission meeting. The Fire Defense Board is comprised of county fire chiefs and other officials from throughout Union County.

Fire officials report that this spring has experienced warmer-than-normal weather conditions, contributing to rapidly drying fuels across the county. Based on these observed conditions, fire danger is currently higher in many areas than is typical for this time of year. Although weather forecasted this week is expected to bring some cooling temperatures and moisture to the region, officials state it will not be enough to significantly improve the overall dry conditions.

Individuals interested in conducting open burning prior to the anticipated early entry into fire season are reminded to use extreme caution. Burn conditions, updated daily, are available by calling 541-963-4040 or online at https://unioncountyor.gov/smoke-management/. Individuals conducting open burning must have a printed or digital copy of the Union County Burn Ordinance 2024-02. A copy of the ordinance in your possession serves as your burn permit.

Residents are encouraged to use caution with any activity that could spark a fire and to remain aware of current and changing fire conditions throughout the county.

https://unioncountyor.gov/fire-defense-board-to-recommend-early-entry-into-regulated-fire-season/

05/26/2026

Memorial Day

We are grateful and honored to be apart of this ceremony, to recognize the courage, dedication and bravery of the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

05/13/2026

05/01/2026

Imbler Rural Fire Protection District is pleased to announce that it has received a staffing grant for the 2026 wildland fire season. This is our third season receiving this grant. This gives us the ability to have staff available to respond to fires and other incidents faster than usual by having staff ready at the station during peak burn times. Last year we we able to get onto a number of fires with our district before they could grow much larger. We appreciate the OSFM grant and what it means to better serve the Imbler Fire Protection District again this year!

04/28/2026

For tonights drill we practiced forced entry and ventilation at the La Grande Fire Department. Thankyou La grande Fire for hosting and teaching us.

03/23/2026

Provided mutal aid to the city of LaGrande fire department today with many other departments for a residential structure fire.

03/10/2026

For drill we went over ventilation and practiced playing or positive pressure fan. We also started all of our chain saws and made sure they were all in good working order.

02/28/2026

Many of our members are spending their weekend at the Eastern Oregon EMS Conference.

02/26/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/18SFLoQvXq/