Extreme fire dangers warrant checking months-old burn piles for smoldering material

Since much of Idaho now faces extreme or very high fire danger, Idaho Department of Lands fire managers are asking anyone who burned large piles of materials this spring or last fall to confirm their piles are out cold.

“Recent high temperatures have rekindled material burned months ago that has been smoldering deep within burn piles,” Idaho Department of Lands' Mica Forest Protective District Warden Terry Zufelt said. "Given current conditions, when the piles reignite, they are a serious wildfire risk.”

Devastating wildfires sparked by old burn piles occur far too often, he said.

"The Hunter 2 Fire near Blanchard in 2020 started when an old burn pile roared back to life, scorching more than 700 acres," he said.

There have been smaller wildfires ignited by old burn piles this year.

“All human-caused fires are preventable,” Zufelt added.

• It is extremely important to be sure piles are out. Go back and check the piles for heat. The pile must be cold to the touch. Large piles of unburned material may need to be moved around to ensure the fire is completely out.

• Burn permits: Due to extreme and very high fire danger, the state is not currently issuing burn permits for anything other than agricultural burning. Burn permits are required May 10 - Oct. 20 each year.