Multnomah County Imposes Wood-Burning Ban Amid Wildfire Smoke and Extreme Heat
Multnomah County, Oregon, has enacted a mandatory wood-burning ban and issued air quality warnings because of wildfire smoke and extreme heat from the Grasshopper Fire.
Portland, OR, August 6, 2026 —
Multnomah County, Oregon, has implemented a mandatory ban on wood-burning and issued air quality warnings due to the lingering effects of wildfire smoke and the ongoing extreme heat associated with the Grasshopper Fire.
The ban, which is effective immediately, prohibits the use of all wood-burning devices, including fireplaces, wood stoves, and outdoor burning, across the county. This measure is a precautionary step taken to protect public health as air quality deteriorates.
Officials cited the combination of smoke from the Grasshopper Fire and high temperatures as the primary reasons for the elevated air quality concerns. The smoke contains fine particulate matter that can be harmful when inhaled, especially for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. The extreme heat further exacerbates these risks by intensifying the effects of air pollution on the human body.
The county has advised residents to limit outdoor activities and to stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible. When venturing outside is unavoidable, individuals are encouraged to wear high-filtration masks, such as N95 respirators, to reduce exposure to smoke particles.
Details regarding the duration of the wood-burning ban were not immediately available, and county officials stated that the order would remain in effect until air quality conditions improve sufficiently. Residents are encouraged to monitor local air quality reports and official county advisories for updates.
The Grasshopper Fire, the source of the smoke, is currently active, and its proximity to populated areas has prompted these stringent public health measures. Information regarding the fire’s containment status and cause was not provided in the summary.
Story summarized from the original created by Becca Yanez on www.koin.com, see more information here.
