Burn permits now required

Burn permits are now required in Idaho. They are free and can be obtained at www.burnpermits.idaho.gov, over the phone or in person.

"The fire safety burn permit system helps inform fire managers where burning activities are occurring, reducing the number of false runs and reserving firefighting resources for instances in which they are truly needed," according to a press release from the Shoshone County Fire Chiefs Association. "It also enables fire managers to respond more quickly to fires that escape."

Closed fire season runs May 10 to Oct. 20.

This does not apply to recreational campfires.

Info: Interstate 90 corridor, Idaho Department of Lands, (208) 682-4611; East Silver Valley, Shoshone District 1, 752-1101; West Silver Valley, Shoshone District 2, 784-1188; Coeur d'Alene River, USFS Silver Valley Office, 783-2383