Fire danger now very high

The danger of a fire is now very high in Kootenai County.

The Kootenai County Fire Chiefs and officials from the Idaho Department of Lands Mica District elevated the fire danger level Thursday.

“Our last couple fires have grown to 15 acres-plus pretty quickly and I believe Very High is indicative of where we are,” said U.S. Forest Service representative Terry Zufelt, in a news release.

This increase in fire danger will close burn permits. Recreational fires will still be allowed at this time.

Current permits for burn barrels are good until their expiration dates, no more than 10 days from today. Residents with burn permits are advised to have them on hand to present to fire department personnel.

Questions should be directed to local fire departments.

The statewide burn permit program will no longer issue burn permits.

The county’s fire chiefs and state lands officials will continue to re-evaluate fire potential conditions in the area.

“We remind anyone who chooses to have a recreational fire to be very careful and always have water and a shovel available when your fire is burning. Before leaving your campfire ensure it is DEAD OUT, cold to the touch,” said a news release from the agencies that noted 60 percent of Type I and Type II incident command teams are now deployed throughout the U.S.

“CALL 911 if your fire spreads beyond your control IMMEDIATELY.”