Burn ban affects most outdoor fires in Kootenai County

Most outdoor burning is now prohibited in Kootenai County.

Local fire chiefs ordered the closure last week in response to COVID-19 concerns.

During the closure, only small, three-foot or smaller in diameter, recreational fires made from clean wood — not rotten, wet or heavy smoke producing wood — are allowed, said Pat Riley, Northern Lakes fire chief and acting president of the Kootenai County Fire Chiefs Association.

COVID-19 affects the respiratory system and smoke is an irritant.

— Ralph Bartholdt