COEUR d'ALENE - Law enforcement agencies across Kootenai County have rigorous enforcement plans for the Fourth of July weekend to help prevent fires started by stray fireworks.

The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office issued a stern release Wednesday morning stating it will be vigilant in its efforts to prevent unnecessary fires.

"Continued heat and dry conditions prompt firm enforcement of fireworks and burn ban violations," the release said. "With the Fourth of July right around the corner coupled with the hot, dry conditions, the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office will be taking rigid enforcement of all fireworks laws as well as pursuing action against anyone found violating current burn ban restrictions."

KCSO Lt. Stu Miller said deputies will still have some discretion, but they will be looking more toward the enforcement aspect.

"Obviously, this weekend will be a busy one, so we will need to prioritize the calls as well," he said.

At this time, fireworks that are labeled "safe and sane," or non-aerial common fireworks that are bought from local vendors are still legal to use from midnight on June 23 to midnight on July 5.

"However, with any burning material, there is a high risk of fire danger," the release said. "Anyone possessing, using, selling or otherwise violating state or local fireworks laws constitutes an infraction penalty and is subject to a fine of $156.50 for each offense."

The KCSO also wants to remind people that there is a countywide burn ban in effect, which means no open burning unless a burn permit is still active.

"This doesn't affect the legal use of fireworks or recreational fires in an approved fire pit," the release said. "Violation of the burn ban constitutes a misdemeanor offense."

The Post Falls Police Department is also going to step up enforcement on people who are using illegal fireworks.

"This year because of the dryness levels out there, we are going to take a more proactive approach," Chief Scot Haug said, adding if people are lighting aerial fireworks, police will investigate that.

"I am not going to say that we'll issue citations every time," he said. "We are really hoping that people will be reasonable in their use of fireworks this year."

Haug said a piece of farm equipment started a grass fire over the weekend on Idaho Street just north of Poleline Avenue.

"If farm equipment can spark a fire, just imagine what fireworks could do," he said, adding if there is any wind it could start a firestorm. "This is a very unique year, and it is extremely dry out there. We hope people will just take a little extra care."

Sgt. Christie Wood, with the Coeur d'Alene Police Department, said it will have its entire patrol and detective divisions out patrolling on the Fourth of July.

"We are so busy on the Fourth," she said. "And we already get an inordinate amount of calls."

She said if people are using "safe and sane" fireworks in their driveways, police are not going to be concerned about that, but if people are shooting aerial fireworks indiscriminately, Coeur d'Alene Police will likely take action.

The Idaho State Police will also be out in force starting today. It is putting "All Hands on Deck," meaning that all available sworn ISP personnel, even those usually behind a desk, will be on the road to increase patrols during what will be a busy travel day for the upcoming three-day weekend.

"'All Hands on Deck' is designed to increase patrols on the busiest travel days of the year to give our citizens added safety on the roads," Col. Ralph Powell said in a press release. "This summer has already been too deadly on Idaho's highways. Since Memorial Day weekend, our troopers have investigated 18 fatal crashes. We recommend drivers to drive defensively and pay close attention to what the driver next to you is doing to prevent a crash, injury or even death. ISP will do our part, as it is often the sighting of a patrol car that makes people not only slow down, but obey other traffic laws as well."

According to the release, the public will be able to virtually ride-along with a trooper on patrol on Thursday via Twitter. The ride-along will begin at 6 p.m. and end on Friday around 1 a.m. Idaho State Police's handle on Twitter is @IdahoStPolice.