Area fire crews already battling wildfires

SANDPOINT — It seems laughable to talk about wildfires after loads of wet snow fell from the sky most of Monday.

Fire prevention professionals would disagree.

According to Northside Fire District Capt. Danny Knott, “We’ve already been running wildfires. The biggest was 10 acres.”

Northside isn’t alone. Selkirk Fire, Rescue and EMS snuffed eight out-of-control burn piles in March, according to Fire Chief Ron Stocking.

Although the area has been getting some moisture, which helps, “it could be a difficult season for firefighters,” Stocking said.

The April wildfire forecast issued by the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise predicted a normal wildfire outlook in North Idaho through May, jumping to above normal in June and July.

Kevin Benton, fire warden for the Pend Oreille Lake Forest Protective District of the Idaho Department of Lands tracked moisture levels through the winter. It’s low, he said, but still too early to predict how the fire season will pan out. It all depends on Mother Nature.

“It’s still up for question whether we’ll see normal or above normal moisture,” Benton said. “It’s not verified until we get it.”

Moisture is an important ingredient in preventing wildfires, according to Knott. The lack of a snow pack has an effect on the combustibility of ground material.

“Without the snow cover, the super cold air pushes the moisture out of the fuel and makes it drier come the warm weather,” Knott said

The time to start preparing is now, while homeowners can still burn storm debris, yard waste and other potential fire fuel without a permit, and with a lower risk of fire. Still, necessary precautions must be taken, even this time of year.

Homeowners are required to have basic fire suppression equipment on hand — shovel, a garden hose — when burning, according to Knott.

But if your fire starts to spread beyond your control, don’t try to fight it yourself. Call the fire department.

“If it’s starting to spread, don’t wait 20 minutes to call us while you try to fight it,” Knott warned. “Call first, then go back and fight it. Call early.”

Benton suggested homeowners create a “survivable space” around their homes, including:

• Cleaning roofs and gutters of pine needles, leaves and other dead, dry combustible materials that could ignite or become fuel for a fire.

• Remove any trees or tree branches within 10 feet of a stove or chimney flue.

• Firewood, propane tanks or other combustibles should be kept away from homes and structures.

• Keep all driveways and roads clear for fire department vehicle access.

“Fire season is about on us,” Benton said.

The official fire season begins May 10. Burn permits will be required after that for burning on any lands protected by the IDL, which includes both state and private lands.

For more information on how to prepare a fire-survivable space around your home, go to the National Interagency Fire Center website at www.nifc.gov, and click on the prevention/education tab. Or go to any  office to consult with an IDL employee.