Area agencies encourage Fourth of July safety

Fireworks season is here, and many local and state agencies are hoping that people stay safe as they celebrate the Fourth of July.  

Each year during the Fourth of July, thousands of people ditch city living in favor of camping. North Idaho boasts millions of acres of national forest, which provides getaway spots for those seeking the simple life. It also provides plenty of risks for wildfires if people don’t follow safety guidelines. 

The U.S. Forest Service has strict rules for campers during the summer months, especially regarding fireworks or other explosives.  

“The biggest thing we’re pushing is fireworks. No fireworks are allowed inside the national forest,” USFS Fire Prevention Officer Jason Cirksena said. “And as far as campfires go, be prepared. Keep a shovel, hand tool or bucket available. And remember, if it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.”   

Exploding targets and other pyrotechnic devices, such as Tannerite, are also prohibited on national forests. 

Motorized vehicles are also potential wildfire starters, so campers are asked to ensure that all motorized vehicles, including ATVs, UTVs and dirt bikes should all be well-maintained and lubricated before use inside any national forest lands. 

“It is their public lands,” Cirksena said, “we just ask that they are responsible and respectful when they’re using it.”  

According to statistics from the USFS, nine out of every 10 wildfires are caused by humans.  

The USFS will have additional patrols throughout the forest in the coming days.     

For those people who are staying home during the holiday, fire safety and responsibility doesn’t just affect you, but also your neighbors.  

Shoshone County Fire Protection District No. 1 Capt. John Miller hopes that Shoshone County will stay safely within Idaho’s safe and sane laws.  

According to Miller, in 2021 (the most recent data), nearly 13,000 house fires from fireworks were reported across the United States, resulting in almost $60 million in property damage.  

There are never any guarantees with fireworks, but Miller pointed out a few tips.  

Use only legal fireworks; store fireworks out of reach of children; follow label directions; keep pets indoors; have water handy; let fireworks completely burn out, cool down and drown them in water before disposing of them.  

Another risk that people tend to overlook during the summer season is their barbecues. Miller has seen his fair share of fires that were started by someone who left a grill unattended. Grills should be kept at least 10 feet away from homes or structures; always check your grills for any gas leaks. Don’t grill inside your garage and keep a fire extinguisher near your grill. 

Miller also asks the public to be mindful of not overloading the 911 system during the holidays and only call emergency services when an actual emergency is occurring. 

"Our staffing isn't at the same level as many other communities and we'll probably be spread pretty thin as it is," Miller said.

Barking dogs, noise, fireworks and fireworks debris in your yard do not constitute emergencies, Miller said.