IDL halts burning in region

SANDPOINT — The Idaho Department of Lands has closed burning ahead of a statewide fire weather warning.

North Idaho and eastern Washington are under red flag warnings throughout the Labor Day weekend, with high heat and increased wind speeds predicted.

"These conditions cover the entire Northwest, including Idaho, Sharla Arledge, IDL public information officer, said in a press release. "We have been expecting the hot and dry conditions to persist, but this new development adds unstable atmosphere as a major concern. This could mean high-base thunder cells forming when thunderstorms are not forecast."

Arledge said IDL and U.S. Forest Service crews are seeing new fire starts and increased activity and "aggressive burning" in existing fires.

Ways to help prevent fires or minimize fire risk include:

• Keep flammable objects — such as lawn mowers, oil or gas cans, propane tanks and wood piles — at least 30 feet away from the home at all times.

• Keep roofs, gutters, decks and patios clear of leaves, pine needles or other flammables at all times.

• Remove flammable mulch and vegetation within 5 feet of a home and replace with nonflammable material.

• Remove tree or shrub branches that overhang within 10 feet of your house, roof or chimney.

• Keep lawns watered and mowed, or if water-conserving, make sure debris is removed within 30 feet of home.

• Mow before 10 a.m., but never when it’s windy or excessively dry.

• In wildland areas, spark arresters are required on all portable gasoline-powered equipment. This includes tractors, harvesters, chainsaws, weed-eaters and mowers.

• While burning, always attend the fire and have a water source ready.

• Make sure a fire is cold to the touch before leaving it unattended.

• If pulling a trailer, ensure your safety chains don’t drag and spark wildfires along roadways. When parking or making a roadside stop, remember a muffler is hot enough to ignite dry grasses, so please watch where you park.

Before venturing into state and national forests, authorities advise checking with the local forest ranger stations to confirm any additional fire restrictions.

Residents can contact their local fire department with questions about fire restrictions.

“We need the help of the public to prevent unwanted human-caused fire. One way we can assist the public is to provide resources to help understand the risks and guidelines for enjoying outdoor activities safely,” Idaho Department Of Lands Director Dustin Miller said on the department's website.

Information: bit.ly/3QdOYEA