Nehalem Bay

Fire & Rescue

Nehalem Bay Fire & Rescue Recreational Fire Specifications

The Nehalem Bay Fire & Rescue will allow recreational fires during a Burn Ban as long as
the following conditions are met and the burn take place on private property.

Note: The district does not have authority over recreational fires in the state parks or on the ocean shoreline.

Definitions:

Recreational Fire:

A recreational fire is a small fire no larger than three (3) foot in diameter and a flame height
reaching no larger than three (3) foot in the air. Fuel is to be clean cut firewood or manufactured fire logs.

Fire Pit:
A structure made of bricks, rocks, concrete, metal or some other noncombustible material with at least three sides being a minimum of eight (8) inches high. If there is an open side to the pit it should be located on the windward side of the fire pit.

Requirements:

  1. Must have a valid burn permit (unless within a commercial park with multiple campsites)
  2. Fires must be in an approved fire pit.
  3. Fire pits must have at least 25 foot clearance around and 12 foot above burn pit. Ground
    surface shall be clear of fallen leaves and other surface fuels. Cut green grass is okay.
  4. Fire must be attended at all times and extinguish before leaving.
  5. A water source of adequate supply must be available to extinguish the fire and
    control fire spread if needed.

Prohibited Acts:
The burning of paper, garbage, plastic, brush or other debris is strictly prohibited in a recreational burn.

Questions: Call 503-368-7590

Download Recreational Fire Specifications:

State of Oregon DEQ Outdoor Burning Guide here:

Today's Fire Danger

Burn restrictions in effect

On September 23, 2023, Tillamook County will lift its burn ban in effect since July 15, 2023.  All burning, including recreational fires, requires a permit.  Permits may be obtained below.  

Note that recreational beach fires do not require a permit and are regulated through Oregon Parks.   Please keep your beach fires under 2 feet in diameter, away from driftwood logs, and at least 50 feet away from dune grass.  Use only wood or manufactured logs as fuel.  Be sure to attend to the fire at all times, and completely extinguish WITH WATER when complete.  (Do not just cover the fire with sand!)  

If a Red Flag warning is in effect, please refrain from outdoor fires of any kind (recreational fires, charcoal grills, smoking) and restrict use of power equipment.   Continue to check this site regularly.

During fire season, usually June 1 through September 30, check burn restrictions prior to burning.

Burn piles larger than 5 feet in height and 10 feet in diameter require a site inspection and a Provisional Burn Permit.