Closed fire season begins Friday

May 5, 2013

Closed fire season in Idaho begins May 10 and extends through October 20 each year. During this period it is unlawful for any person to set a fire outside of an incorporated city or town without first obtaining a fire safety burn permit from the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL).

The restrictions exclude recreational camp fires. Burn Permits are required for burn barrels.

In addition to obtaining fire safety burn permits in person at IDL offices statewide, individuals planning to burn will now be able to use a new online self service burn permit application. The web site, http://burnpermits.idaho.gov/, will be available for use by the public starting May 9.

Those who plan to burn in Boundary County but are unable to access the Web site can obtain a fire safety burn permit in person from the IDL Kootenai Valley Forest Protective District office, 6327 Main Street in Bonners Ferry, or by calling (208) 267-5577.

Burn permits within the city limits of Bonners Ferry and Moyie Springs must be obtained from the respective city fire department.

Permits need to be signed and in hand during all burning operations.

Burners should notify their local rural fire department prior to burning. Burners should also contact the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality for air quality restrictions and for information regarding proper disposal methods for non-vegetative material.

The IDL and U.S. Forest Service remind people to attend their burning at all times and ensure fires are cold to the touch before leaving them unattended. Persons found to be responsible for escaped fires or for burning without a permit will be billed for these responses.

To report wildfires call 911.