Fire Restrictions in Effect

Because of extremely dry conditions in much of Idaho, several agencies have restricted fire use on public land. Friday, August 31 was the first day of Stage One fire restrictions for much of the public land in Idaho. The restrictions apply on lands of the Boise, Payette and north portion of the Sawtooth national forests; Salmon-Challis National Forest within designated wilderness areas; Nez Perce and Clearwater National forests; Idaho Department of Fish and Game's Craig Mountain Wildlife Management Area near Lewiston; Idaho Department of Lands Southwest area; and lands protected by the Southern Idaho Timber Protective Association. The Department of Lands restrictions extend to private land within the national forests, but not private land within the boundaries of a town or city. The restrictions do not apply to BLM land at this time. Deer and elk archery seasons opened Thursday, August 30, as did bear and mountain lion seasons in some units. Under the Stage One restrictions, barbecues or wood-burning stoves such as sheepherder stoves are prohibited in any area. Campfires or charcoal briquettes are only allowed in a developed site listed on national forest maps, state maps or agency web pages. In these developed sites, campfires or briquettes are allowed only within designated fire structures. These are usually a ring or structure of concrete or metal. Barbecues and wood-burning stoves are not currently allowed, even in developed sites. The exceptions are the Clearwater and Nez Perce National Forests, which allow wood stoves, barbecues and campfires within developed sites. Smoking is restricted to developed sites, inside vehicles or buildings, or in a three-foot diameter area cleared down to mineral soil. The use of liquid petroleum or propane fuels is not restricted and is allowed in all areas. This includes Coleman-type gas stoves. Violation is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, depending on agency jurisdiction, and up to six months in jail.