Fire danger lowered and burning permits opened

The Shoshone County Fire Chief’s Association (SCFCA), which includes members from all local fire departments and wildland fire agencies, have determined it is time to move to LOW fire danger and open select burning permits effective Wednesday, Oct. 13.

Burn permits for residential yard debris, burn barrels and medium sized 10-by-10-foot slash piles will be issued starting on Oct. 13. To obtain your free burn permit, please visit www.burnpermits.idaho.gov or contact your local fire department. Please remember you are responsible for acquiring and adhering to the requirements of the permit.

Despite recent rainfall and cool night temperatures an escaped fire is still a possibility. Only burn when permit conditions are met and when truly necessary. Be aware that a sunny day can quickly dry grass and fine fuels allowing fires to spread out of control. Consider delaying burning by covering your debris pile so it will stay dry and burn easily later in the year when there is less chance of the fire escaping your control.

The fire safety burn permit system helps to inform fire managers where burning activities are occurring, reducing the number of false runs and saving firefighting resources for instances in which they are truly needed.

For additional information or questions, 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. 1: 208-784-1188

• U.S. Forest Service: 208-783-2100

• Idaho Department of Lands: 208-682-4611