Stage 2 fire restrictions begin today

SANDPOINT — Due to extreme fire danger ratings, Stage 2 fire restrictions will begin today at 12:01 a.m.

The city of Sandpoint is implementing additional temporary burning restrictions to align with the restrictions in surrounding areas and the state, City Administrator Jennifer Stapleton said in a press release. These include a suspension of all active burn permits, prohibition of any open flame, aside from those used for cooking in a fully enclosed grill. Hibachi style grills, or grills without lids are not acceptable, however, both propane and charcoal grills are acceptable.

Warming devices fueled by propane only are permitted. The area of intended use must be cleared of all flammable material before use and cannot display an open flame.

General stage two restrictions across the state prohibit the following:

1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire.
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a designated recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials
3. Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails in accordance with existing travel management plans for non-commercial purposes, including ATVs, UTVs, and pickups.
4. The following acts are prohibited from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.: (A patrol is required for one hour following cessation of all work as described below.)

A. Operating a chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine for felling, bucking, skidding, processing, log loading and hauling, road building and woodcutting or any other activity employing the use of an internal combustion engine or off-road activity associated with industrial operations or fire wood gathering.

B. Blasting, welding, or other activities that generate flame or flammable material.

C. Using an explosive.

The following are exemptions to the Stage II Fire Restrictions:

1. Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act.
2. Persons using a fire or stove fire fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels. Such devices, including propane campfires, may be used only in an area cleared of flammable material.
3. Persons using a generator with an approved spark arrester on areas that are cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the generator.
4. Log loading and hauling only from landings and existing roads.
5. Private landowners using charcoal (disposed of properly) or propane barbecues on their own lands.
6. Normal operations on crop lands.
7. Emergency repair of public utilities and railroads as per conditions in Stage II Exemptions for Public Utilities and Railroads.
8. Any federal, state, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force, in the performance of an official duty.
9. Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.
10. All land within a city boundary (unless otherwise restricted).

Information: idl.idaho.gov/fire-management/fire-restrictions-finder