Fire Updates Available on Fish and Game's Website

Wild fires burning in Idaho have raised concerns about public safety and access to public lands. To assist hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts this summer, the latest fire activity, area restrictions and links related to fire is now available on Idaho Fish and Game's website at https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/content/fire. Included is a link to Idahofireinfo.blogspot.com, an interagency website developed by federal and state agencies to provide timely and accurate information for wildland fires, fire restrictions and prevention. Fire managers want to remind everyone to be extra cautious when spending time outdoors. Drought conditions coupled with very high fire danger levels continue to persist in much of Idaho. Stage II fire restrictions will go into effect beginning at 11:59 p.m. July 13 on all private, state and federally managed or protected lands, roads and trails in northern Idaho and portions of central Idaho. Under Stage II fire restrictions, using a fire, campfire, or stove fire is prohibited, as well as operating vehicles such as ATVs, UTVs and pickups off designated roads and trails. Smoking is restricted to enclosed vehicles or buildings, or in areas cleared of vegetation. In addition, any activity that generates flame or flammable material, including operating a chain saw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine, is prohibited between 1 p.m. and 1 a.m. Any work done outside the time restriction must include one hour of patrolling the area for fires after the work is completed. It is still uncertain how the wild fires might affect the upcoming hunting seasons. Idaho Fish and Game does not recommend closing hunts or altering season dates in response to fire restrictions. Most fires do not grow large enough to affect an entire hunt unit.