New burn permit system launched

Those burning their yard debris this spring will be utilizing a new online burn-permitting system.

Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Chief Roger Johnson said, “We are extremely pleased to offer the community a more user-friendly, free, online permitting system enabling users to obtain important information and services online while allowing district staff to track outdoor burns more effectively and disseminate important fire safety information.”

Permits must be obtained online by visiting the district’s website: https://www.sistersfire.com. To register for a permit, your name, street address and phone number are required. Those who do not have Internet access can go to the main fire station at 301 S. Elm St. in Sisters and use a public-access computer to apply, or have district staff sign them up.

This new online system will be very user-friendly after initial setup, the fire district reports.

From the fire district’s standpoint, safety during open-burn season, which typically runs from November 1 to May 31 each year, is of the utmost importance. The online reporting system allows staff the ability to see who is burning on a daily basis, immediately notify users of changing conditions, message important fire safety information and ensure that those planning to burn are aware of the City of Sisters outdoor burn ban, and that the right jurisdiction is being notified of the planned burn.

You will be required to check-in each day you wish to burn and specify that you are burning for the day. Open burning can only be conducted with a permit issued by the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District. The requirement to check-in each day is based on changing atmospheric and weather conditions such as wind or air dryness. The fire district’s on-duty shift commanders will make a determination before 8 a.m. each day whether burning will be allowed within the district.

The district is also using a small group of locals to test an app, in development locally, which will allow users to sign in once on their phone and schedule burn days.

“The app will hopefully offer an even easier experience than what the website will be capable of,” district spokesperson Julie Spor reported. “We are in the process of gathering feedback on the app, and will announce when that is available on the app store. The developers want to make sure the app is easy to use, and really effective for collaborative fire safety.”

Chief Johnson said, “We appreciate residents’ patience during the transition to the new online system, and we hope that they find the process more efficient and user-friendly than methods used in the past.”

For more information about burn permits, visit the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District’s website at https://www.sistersfire.com or call the administration office at 541-549-0771.