As hot and dry summer weather continues, land officials hope expanded Stage 1 fire restrictions will keep new human-caused wildfires to a minimum. Parts of Twins Falls, Blaine, Camas and Cassia counties will be affected. Campfires must be within designated campground or other recreation sites, and outdoor smoking will also be limited.
Stage one restrictions went into effect in southwestern Idaho on Monday. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, the number of acres burned by wildfires across the country is lower than it was at this time last year. But with wildfires like the Pioneer Fire continuing to burn in the Boise National Forest, the restrictions could help officials from stretching firefighting resources too thin.
Find Frankie Barnhill on Twitter @FABarnhill
Copyright 2016 Boise State Public Radio
