Jefferson County Smoke Management Program

The Jefferson County Smoke Management Program is a cooperative effort of Jefferson County Seed Growers and the Jefferson County Rural Fire Protection District, committed to a safe, controlled agricultural field burning season that insures public safety and minimizes, to the greatest degree possible, impacts of smoke on the communities of Central Oregon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q.  Why do growers need to burn fields at all?

    Grass seed fields are burned for disease and weed control, and for seed promotion.   To date, there has been no more effective means to accomplish these ends other than field burning.

    Wheat stubble is burned so that the grower may quickly remove the stubble in preparation for planting.  Usually, the wheat stubble can be baled as wheat straw.  However, if a seed crop is being planted in the field, it is necessary to burn the field so that timely planting of the seed crop can occur.

Q.   How long is the season?

      There are 9 weeks in burn season.  In these 9 weeks, there are usually around 42-45 possible burn days.  Growers are not allowed to open field burn on weekends or holidays.  If the conditions are not favorable for fire safety or for smoke dispersal, the burning advisory would be posted as a "No Burn Day".  Sometimes a limited number of acres are released on days when conditions are questionable, and limitations are placed on where or when burning can occur.  For example, 500 acres may be released to burn, with the condition that all burning be completed by 2 p.m.

Q.  Are there special measures taken when doing a highway burn?

      Certified flaggers are required to be present at every burn immediately adjacent to one of Central Oregon's three state highways, Hwys 26, 97, or 361.  It is mandatory that a Sheriff's deputy is on hand to assist with traffic during an open field burn on the highway.  Growers must notify the Fire department of any fields they plan to burn that are next to these highways.  These fields are coordinated to burn during designated "Highway Burn" days, if possible, so that traffic flow is minimally impacted.  During the burn, flaggers are posted at either end of the fields to assist with traffic.  It is vital that the traffic slow as it approaches these burns, as winds can shift suddenly and visibility can be impaired. 

Q.  Are all grass and grain fields burned?

      Growers do not burn all their fields.  Approximately 29% of the county's wheat fields and 55% of the total grass fields were burned in the 2001 burn season.