Stage 2 Fire Restrictions now in effect
CATALDO— The Shoshone County Fire Chiefs Association (SCFCA), which includes members from all local fire departments and wildland fire agencies, would like to thank the residents of the Silver Valley for being careful with fire during this unusually dry summer.
Although we received some precipitation over the Aug. 12 & 13 weekend, the potential for wildfires in the Silver Valley is still very present due to the hot and dry conditions we have had and will continue to have.
Our recent weather has continued to dry forest fuels which leads to fires that spread faster and burn hotter than normal for this time of year.
Additionally, fires are starting from the smallest ignition sources such as a spark from an exhaust system, cigarettes, or a trailer chain dragging on the roadway.
Because of these conditions, SCFCA would like to announce that Stage 2 Fire Restrictions will be put into effect as of 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, August 16.
Stage 2 Restrictions are also being implemented in the Coeur d’Alene Fire Restriction Area, which includes all state, federal, and private forestland and rangeland in Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai, Shoshone, and Latah Counties.
This also includes public lands in Montana and Washington that are administered by the Idaho Panhandle National Forests (IPNF).
Under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, the following acts are prohibited:
1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire.
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a designated recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
3. Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails in accordance with existing travel management plans for non-commercial purposes including ATVs, UTVs, and pickups.
4. These acts are prohibited from 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. (A patrol is required for one hour following cessation of all work as described in a, b, and c):
a. Operating a chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine for felling, bucking, skidding, processing, road building and woodcutting or any other activity employing the use of an internal combustion engine or off-road activity associated with industrial operations or fire wood gathering.
b. Blasting, welding, or other activities that generate flame or flammable material.
c. Using an explosive.
The following are exemptions to the restrictions:
1. Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act.
2. Persons using a fire or stove fire fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels. Such devices, including propane campfires, may be used only in an area cleared of flammable material.
3. Persons using a generator with an approved spark arrester on areas that are cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the generator.
4. Private landowners using charcoal (disposed of properly) or propane barbecues on their own lands.
5. Normal operations on crop lands.
6. Emergency repair of public utilities and railroads as per conditions in Stage II Exemptions for Public Utilities and Railroads. Please see Appendix 10 of the 2017 Idaho Interagency Fire Restrictions plan available at http://www.idahofireinfo.com/.
7. Any federal, state, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force, in the performance of an official duty.
8. Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.
While Stage 2 Restrictions may slightly limit some of the usual activities you enjoy in the summer, SCFCA encourages responsible residents to still take to the outdoors.
We count on you to partner with fire fighters by following the restrictions, reporting smoke, and/or anyone acting irresponsible in the woods.
This is a good time to check that your vehicle is ready for traveling into the forests.
It is the law that every vehicle headed into the forest during fire season must have a fire extinguisher and a bucket on board in addition to one shovel, axe, or Pulaski for each adult.
ATV’s and motorcycles are not required to have a fire extinguisher, but having one is a great idea especially during this time of the year.
A motorcycle helmet can be used as a bucket in a pinch.
Being prepared for fire can really count, as even the smallest fire may quickly grow in size and intensity.
Please be very careful in and around the woods as you enjoy the beautiful Silver Valley.
REMEMBER, ONLY YOU CAN PREVENT WILDFIRES!
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