Fire managers ask public to use caution during spring burning

March 6, 2015

With the lack of snow and the forecast for warm and dry weather, landowners will likely continue debris, ditch and field burning. Boundary County fire departments, the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) and the U.S. Forest Service ask landowners to think twice before lighting the match. Fire can spread quickly through grass and shrubs, especially when pushed by the wind or when on a steep slope. As the warm and dry weather continues, forest fuels will become dry enough to burn, leading to the possibility of early season forest fires prior to the green-up of grasses and shrubs. Fire safety burn permits are not required until May 10 each year. However, burners are asked to notify Boundary County Sheriff dispatch at 208-267-3151 and their local fire department prior to burning. Burners also should contact the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality for air quality restrictions and for information on proper disposal methods for non-vegetative material. All Boundary County fire agencies remind people to attend their burns at all times and ensure fires are cold to the touch before leaving them unattended. Persons found to be responsible for escaped fires may be billed for these responses.