Burn ban ends tomorrow

Open burning and yard waste permits will be allowed in Kootenai County as of tomorrow, Friday, April 24.

Local fire chiefs ordered the closure in late March in response to COVID-19 concerns.

Officials said the general public’s compliance with the burn ban dramatically reduced responders’ unnecessary contacts with the community while they followed social distancing guidelines.

“During the burn ban, we were acutely aware of the inconvenience that was placed on the public,” said Pat Riley, President of the Kootenai County Fire Chiefs Association. “We only took the most necessary precautions to protect your first responders, as well as to protect you, the citizens we serve.”

Fire agencies do not respond to burn complaints about smoke or odor emissions unless what is being burned is not compliant with Idaho Department of Environmental Quality guidelines.

Residents are asked to check with their local fire district for specific rules regarding burning and/or permit requirements.