IDL: Check burn piles for fires

With much of Idaho facing extreme or very high fire danger levels, Idaho Department of Lands fire managers are asking anyone who burned large piles of materials since last fall to confirm their piles are out cold.

“Recent high temperatures have rekindled material burned months ago that has been smoldering deep within burn piles,” said IDL’s Mica Forest Protective District Warden Terry Zufelt.

"Given current conditions, when the piles reignite, they are a serious wildfire risk.”

According to Zufelt, devastating wildfires sparked by old burn piles occur far too often. “The Hunter 2 Fire near Blanchard in 2020 started when an old burn pile roared back to life, scorching more than 700 acres.”

There have been smaller wildfires ignited by old burn piles this year.

IDL officials advised those who had burn piles to check them for heat. The pile must be cold to the touch. Large piles of unburned material may need to be moved around to ensure the fire is completely out. 

Due to extreme and very high fire danger, the state is not currently issuing burn permits for anything other than agricultural burning. Burn permits are required May 10 and Oct. 20 each year.

Information: idl.idaho.gov