Open burning restrictions in effect year-round

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) reminds northern Idahoans that the state’s outdoor burning restrictions and permitting requirements are in effect year-round.

Ralph Paul, airshed coordinator for the DEQ, says, “Smoke impacts must be considered no matter what time of year burning takes place. Burning may be prohibited because weather conditions are not conducive to smoke dispersion, and permits from the Idaho Department of Lands or local fire protection districts may be required in some areas.”

If a permit or plan is not required by the Department of Lands, U.S. Forest Service, or any other state or federal agency, burners must still follow a prescribed plan that is in accordance with Idaho’s air quality rules.

The DEQ advises potential burners to check with local fire protection districts to find out whether or not a permit is required, and to call the DEQ’s Air Quality Advisory Hotline at 1 (800) 633-6247 to see if burning has been restricted in the area.

The DEQ offers the following guidelines to help minimize the impacts of burning:

> Burn only dry material, as green limbs and other garden waste smolders and produces excessive smoke.

> Keep your burn pile small and manageable, as large piles develop lots of ash which rob the pile of oxygen and cause more smoke.

> Burn during the middle of the day when solar heating and ventilation is at its peak. Complete burning before dusk.

> Do not burn green slash piles, and use additional precautions when burning near residential areas.

Some of the things Idaho’s open burning rules prohibit: garbage, plastics, demolition debris, tires, asphaltic materials, treated lumber and animal waste.

Visit the Montana/Idaho Airshed Group’s website for more information: www.smokemu.org