Fire danger moves to Extreme
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announce that Stage II Fire Restrictions will become effective on July 12 at 12:01 a.m. and will remain in effect until rescinded. Stage II Fire Restrictions in the Silver Valley apply to all federal, state and private managed lands including those lands within incorporated city limits.
A lack of rain and hot temperatures have quickly escalated the Fire Danger to EXTREME.
Under Stage II Fire Restrictions the following acts are prohibited until further notice:
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 3 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 p.m. to 1 a.m. (A patrol is required for three hours 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 3 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.
SCFCA officials encourage responsible residents to continue to enjoy the outdoors but to be extra vigilant when traveling in the area. You can prevent wildfires by ensuring your vehicles, trailers, spark arrestors and fire extinguishers are in good working condition.
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 this restriction, please contact your local fire district, at the phone numbers below:
• Shoshone County Fire District No. 1: 208-752-1101
• Shoshone County Fire District No. 2: 208-784-1188
• U.S. Forest Service: 208-783-2100
• Idaho Department of Lands, Cataldo: 208-682-4611