What you need to know about Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
Photos by Chanse Watson/ Smokey Bear greats river goers at the Snake Pit in Enaville, reminding them about the upgraded fire danger level as well as the Stage 1 restrictions.
Shawn Jackson, BLM firefighter from Phoenix, talks about fire prevention and hands out some frisbees. Firecrews will be present as well at the Pinehurst Days parade on Saturday.
KINGSTON— With the implementation of Stage 1 Fire Restrictions beginning Friday, August 4, local fire agencies including the United States Forest Service (USFS) and the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) are making sure that everyone knows exactly what that means by reaching out to the public anyway they can.
One of these ways is speaking to folks that are already on their way to the woods.
Setting up at the Snake Pit in Enaville right along the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River last Friday, firecrews provided campers and river goers with the do’s and dont’s of fire use under these new restrictions.
Not to mention, they had some cool swag to hand out to those who wanted it.
Those who were running the booth stressed the new rules under the Stage 1 restrictions which prohibit:
1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire or stove fire EXCEPT within a designated recreation site, or on their own land, and only within an owner-provided structure. Enclosed gas, propane, and butane type camp stoves with an on/off switch are also exempt from the rule.
2. Smoking, EXCEPT within an enclosed vehicle, building, or designated recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
Lands that are affected by these restrictions include all federal, state, tribal, and private lands.
This does not mean that federal and state lands are closed though, unless a fire is active in the area.
This may result in a temporary area closure.
The maximum penalty for violating a fire restriction order varies from agency to agency, but the USFS will issue a $5,000 fine for individuals and a $10,000 fine for corporations and/or six months of imprisonment.
For additional information or questions about this restriction, please contact your local fire district at the phone numbers below or stop into your local fire service building:
Shoshone County FD #1: 208-752-1101
Shoshone County FD#2: 208-784-1188
U.S. Forest Service: 208-783-2100
Idaho Department of Lands- Cataldo: 208-682-4611