Stage I fire restrictions set to take effect

CATALDO – The Shoshone County Fire Chief’s Association (SCFCA), which includes members from all local fire departments and wildland fire agencies, would like to announce that Stage 1 Fire Restrictions will become effective on August 10, 2018 at 12:01 a.m. and will remain in effect until rescinded.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in the Silver Valley apply to all federal, state and private managed lands including those lands within incorporated city limits.

Under Stage I Fire Restrictions the following acts are prohibited until further notice:

•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.

•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.

The purpose of fire restrictions is to reduce the risk of human-caused fires during unusually high fire danger and/ or burning conditions. In these conditions fires can start from a variety of unusual heat sources. So far this season 100% of the wildfires with the Idaho Department of Lands- Cataldo Forest Protective District have been human caused. Recent wildfires have spread quickly and require extensive firefighting resources to control.

SCFCA officials encourage responsible residents to continue to enjoy the outdoors but to be extra vigilant when traveling in the area. Make sure your vehicles, trailers, spark arrestors and fire extinguishers are in good working condition. Please keep approved campfires to a sensible size and double check they are cool to the touch before leaving. This is also a good time to have a fire safety discussion with the children and young adults in your home.

Please be aware there are no burning permits being issued and report all wildfires to 911 immediately. Providing the following information will greatly assist first responders:

•Your name and phone number you are calling from.

•Where is the fire located?

•Can you see flames?

•What size is the fire?

•What is the volume and color of the smoke?

•What is burning?

•From what location can you see the fire?

•Can you stay at that location to point firefighters in the right direction?

Please stay engaged in your community as we continue with this very hot and dry wildfire season.

For additional information or questions about permits, please contact your local fire district:

Shoshone County FD#1: 208-752-1101

Shoshone County FD#2: 208-784-1188

US Forest Service: 208-783-2100

Idaho Department of Lands- Cataldo: 208-682-4611