IDL burn permits no longer needed

Starting Oct. 21, a fire safety burn permit from the Idaho Department of Lands is no longer required until next year for burning activities outside city limits.

The fire safety burn permit from IDL is required for any burning, excluding recreational campfires, outside city limits during “closed fire season,” which extends from May 10 through Oct. 20 every year.

Those planning to burn still should check with Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, local fire departments, and tribal reservations if applicable to determine if other permits are required or local burning limitations are in place.

Humans, not lightning, caused approximately 80 percent of the wildfires this year on lands protected by the State of Idaho. Most fires are started by accident, and escaped debris burning is one of the leading causes of wildfires.

Even though a fire safety burn permit is not required outside of closed fire season, IDL still recommends burners obtain the permit to help firefighters minimize “false” runs to fires and save firefighting resources for instances in which they are truly needed. The permit is free and can be obtained online at burnpermits.idaho.gov or in person at IDL offices statewide.