With wildfires burning throughout southern Idaho and smoke from fires in neighboring states polluting the air, fire restrictions are beginning across much of the state this week.
On Friday, August 11, the Stage 1 restrictions will go into effect on all state and federally-managed lands in the Treasure Valley and the West Central Mountains. The prohibitions include a ban on smoking, campfires and camp stoves in the listed areas. The only exception is if you’re at a designated recreation site with an approved fire ring.
The following Monday, August 14, those restrictions will be expanded to the BLM's Twin Falls District, the Sawtooth National Forest and both the Salmon-Challis National Forest and the BLM's Salmon-Challis District.
With the eclipse rapidly approaching and a huge influx of visitors expected to flood the Gem State, Emily Callihan with the Idaho Department of Lands tells KTVB most of Idaho will be under Stage 1 restrictions by next week.
Multiple agencies have voiced concerns about the fire potential so many people hiking, camping and recreating in the state’s backcountry poses.
The Department of Lands wants to spread the word that if you start an illegal fire, there will be consequences. If investigators can trace a fire back to you, you could be on the hook for paying to put it out.
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