It’s official: Gresham Fire & Emergency Services announces that its fire season begins Tuesday, Aug. 14, meaning residents in outer East Multnomah County cannot have backyard fires, agricultural fires or open burning.

Gresham Fire & Emergency Services protects the cities of Gresham, Fairview, Troutdale, Wood Village and the unincorporated areas in Multnomah County Fire District 10; so the fire season declaration applies to all jurisdictions until further notice.

“Fire season is the time of year when fires are most likely to start, spread and do enough damage to require fire control,” said Chief Scott Lewis. “I want to thank our residents for their cooperation and help in keeping the community safe during fire season.”

During fire season, no backyard, agricultural or open burning is allowed, said Laura Shepard, Gresham spokeswoman. The closure will be lifted in autumn when grass, brush, wild-land and landscaped areas are less dry and therefore less susceptible to burning.

With the current forecast of hot and dry weather, the fire hazard will increase with each passing day, Shepard said. Special care is needed for campfires and off-road riding of motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles. Under severe conditions, recreational fires and campfires also can be prohibited.

Fire season is formally declared in Oregon on a fire prevention district-by-district basis, usually until October or November.

For more details, call the burn information line at 503-618-3083 or visit GreshamOregon.gov/burning.