Fire danger upgraded to moderate

OSBURN – The Shoshone County Fire Chiefs Association, which includes members from all local fire departments and wildland fire agencies, have determined that it is time to move the fire danger to Moderate for the local area (effective June 25, 2018).

Small permitted burn types including residential yard waste are still allowed, but as conditions continue to change rapidly, the Association asks residents to please be extra vigilant and always monitor your small pile until it is dead out.

With Independence Day quickly approaching, the public needs to be careful with their camp fires and fireworks.

To ensure a safe holiday, please follow these rules:

•Ensure all campfires are kept to a reasonable size and extinguished completely if not attended. Smoldering campfires left unattended are still potentially dangerous. If you decide to have a campfire, it is required that you have a shovel and bucket on hand as they will help to put fire out.

•Fireworks, of any type, are NOT allowed on any forested land (private, industrial, state or federal) in Idaho during closed fire season– May 10 through October 20, as per Idaho Code, 38-117.

•Fireworks that shoot into the air are ILLEGAL everywhere and are especially dangerous. Use only “non-aerial common fireworks.” As defined by Idaho Code 39-2602: Non-aerial common fireworks are any fireworks (such as ground spinners, fountains, sparklers, smoke devices or snakes) that are designed to remain on or near the ground and do not travel outside a 15 foot diameter circle, or emit sparks or other burning material which land outside a 20 foot diameter circle or above a height of twenty 20 feet. Non-aerial common fireworks do not include firecrackers, jumping jacks, or similar products.

•If you choose to use fireworks, make sure you use them in a safe area. Children should not be allowed to handle any fireworks without the supervision of an adult. Parents, guardians or other persons having custody or control of a minor will be liable for damage caused by the use of fireworks by the minor.

•Please be kind to your neighbors and remember fireworks can be stressful to our pets and animals.

Unfortunately, our recreational area has a huge problem with people leaving garbage in their campsites and along roadways. Please take the time, before you leave, to dispose of all the garbage found in your recreational site.

Be careful and have a safe holiday.

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