COEUR d'ALENE - The hot dry weather has prompted fire officials in all of Kootenai County to declare a ban on all outdoor burning on Monday - with the exception of recreational fires.

While it's still under investigation, the 6.5-acre Park View Fire that occurred near Q'Emiln Park earlier this week was likely caused by human activity.

"At the present we are considering that a human-caused fire," said Shane O'Shea, assistant fire warden for the Idaho Department of Lands. "Out of the nine possible causes, we have ruled out a few of them."

O'Shea said investigators are putting a case together with some undisclosed evidence that was found at the scene and witness testimony that was gathered from neighboring property owners.

The fire is now completely contained, O'Shea said. It won't be declared out until there is at least 24 hours of absolutely no smoke.

If someone is convicted of starting the fire, O'Shea said that individual could be held liable for the cost of suppressing the fire.

"Idaho statutes allow us to recover the cost of suppression," he said, adding that IDL is also charged with identifying the cause of the fire.

If a fire results in the loss of property, such as a home, or the loss of life, the fire would be turned over to the local fire district for criminal investigation.

As of Monday, anyone caught burning yard waste or burn barrels could be fined by the fire district in which they live. All fire districts in Kootenai County are subject to the ban.

The Kootenai County Fire Chief's Association issued the ban after 10 straight days of over 90 degree heat that has dried out fire fuels in the area.

According to the National Weather Service in Spokane, the record stretch of 90 degree temperatures is 14 days, which began on Aug. 14, 1894, said Meteorologist Laurie Nisbet.

She said Friday was the last day they expected 90 degree heat. Today is supposed to be 85 degrees and Sunday will reach 83.

O'Shea said campfires, cooking fires and warming fires are still allowed, but O'Shea said people should use extreme caution if they light one.

"You need to have a bucket and shovel nearby," he said. "And the area around the fire should be clear of debris."

Also, make sure the campfire is extinguished before leaving or going indoors, he added.