Burn permits required starting May 10

Closed fire season in Idaho begins May 10 and extends through Oct. 20 each year.

During this period, it is unlawful for any person to set a fire outside of an incorporated city or town without first obtaining a fire safety burn permit from the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL).

Burn permits can be obtained in person at IDL offices statewide or online at BurnPermits.idaho.gov. The restrictions exclude recreational campfires; however, permits are required for all other burn activities including the use of burn barrels.

Those who plan to burn in Boundary County and are unable to access the web site can obtain a burn permit in person from the IDL Kootenai Valley Forest Protective District office, located at 6327 Main St. in Bonners Ferry, or by calling 208-267-5577.

Burn permits within the city limits of Bonners Ferry must be obtained in person at Bonners Ferry City Hall, located at 7232 Main St., 208-267-3105. Within the city limits of Moyie Springs, permits can be obtained by calling Fire Chief Ken English at 208-267-9088.

Permits need to be signed and in hand during all burning operations.

Burners should notify the Sheriff’s Office at 208-267-3151 prior to burning. Burners should also contact the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality for air quality restrictions and for information on proper disposal methods for non-vegetative material.

The IDL and U.S. Forest Service remind people to attend their burning at all times and ensure fires are cold to the touch before leaving them unattended. Persons found to be responsible for escaped fires or for burning without a permit will be billed for these responses.

To report wildfires call 911.