Little mobilizes Guard firefighters

Gov. Brad Little mobilized Idaho National Guard firefighters and aircraft Friday to help contain wildfires burning throughout the state.

“Wildfire is presenting an imminent threat to life, property and the environment, and we need all hands on deck,” Little said in a news release.

It is the first time the Idaho Department of Lands has requested the governor issue an emergency declaration to make Idaho National Guard resources available for fighting wildfire.

IDL provides fire protection on 6.2 million acres of land, across mostly North Idaho.

Little’s emergency declaration authorizes National Guard personnel to work on active wildfires and for other personnel to support logistic activities.

The declaration also makes National Guard aircraft resources available.

Amid drought and excessive heat, the five northern counties are at Preparedness Level 4 for wildland fire response, the second-highest level.

This means several geographic areas are experiencing large, complex wildfires. Resources are spread thin, with the majority of firefighting personnel committed to existing fires throughout the region.

Stage 2 fire restrictions will go into effect Monday throughout the Mica Fire District, which includes all of Kootenai County.

The fire danger rating will also move to “extreme,” just days after the district moved to a “very high” rating.

Fire danger ratings measure the potential over a large area for fires to ignite, spread and require fire suppression action.

The rating is calculated by applying observations of fuel and weather conditions, as well as topographic factors, to a set of equations.

Higher ratings indicate that fires ignite easily. Any fires that start will likely be fast-moving and hard to control.

Under stage 2 fire restrictions, open burning is closed, including campfires, stove fires, recreational fires and Chimineas.

However, the use of charcoal or propane barbecues on private land is permitted, as are fires fueled solely by LPG, as long as the area is cleared of flammable material.

Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle or building or in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is cleared of all flammable materials.

Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails — including ATVs, UTVs and pickups — is also prohibited.

From 1 p.m. to 1 a.m., the following acts are prohibited:

• Operating a chain saw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine for any activity associated with industrial operations or firewood gathering

• Blasting, welding or other activities that generate flame or flammable material

• Using explosives