Fire danger is high

Fire danger in Kootenai County will be increased from moderate to high, effective July 3, 2019 at 8 a.m.

The Kootenai County Fire Chiefs and Idaho Department of Lands Mica District have chosen to increase the fire danger at this time based on fuel models that indicate low moisture content and a higher risk of fires. This increase in fire danger will close burn permits for yard waste and burn barrels, in addition to the already closed slash pile permits.

At this time, recreational fires are still allowed with safety provisions in place, such as readily available water and clear space around the recreational fire pit. Propane fire pits are also still allowed at this time.

Permits to burn yard waste are good until their expiration date, no longer than Wednesday July 13, 2019 at 8 a.m. Residents must have a copy of their permit on hand if fire department personnel ask for it.

The state-wide burn permit program will no longer allow residents to obtain a burn permit for burn barrels, yard waste or slash machine/hand stacked.

IDL and the Kootenai County Chiefs will continue to evaluate the conditions.

Anyone who chooses to burn at this time must be careful and always be in attendance at their fire. Call 911 immediately if a fire spreads beyond control.