Closed fire season begins May 10

April 21, 2012

The closed fire season in Idaho begins May 10 and extends through October 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 burn permit from the appropriate Forest Protective District. The restrictions exclude recreational camp fires.

In Boundary County, permits can be obtained or renewed at The Kootenai Valley Supervisory Area Office, located at 6327 Main Street, Bonners Ferry ID 83805, phone (208) 267-5577, fax (208) 267-8301.

For burning in the majority of Bonner County, permits can be obtained or renewed at the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) office in Sandpoint, located at 2550 Highway 2 West, or by calling (208) 263-5612.

For burning on the east side of Priest Lake, permits can be obtained or renewed at the IDL office in Coolin, located at 4053 Cavanaugh Bay Road, or by calling (208) 443-2516.

For burning on the west side of Priest Lake, permits can be obtained or renewed at the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Priest Lake Ranger District office on Highway 57 in Nordman, or by calling (208) 443-2512.

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

Burn permits within the city limits of Sandpoint, Kootenai, Ponderay, Clark Fork, Dover and Priest River must be obtained from the respective city fire department throughout the year.

Those expecting to burn must first contact their local rural fire department before burning. The IDL and the USFS 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 or 1-800-CDA-FIRE.