KELLOGG — The novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is now widely known to affect the respiratory systems of humans by attacking the lungs, throat and nose. With sensitive groups already on high-alert for the virus, the last thing they need is to add smoke exposure to their list of worries.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) and Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) would like to remind the public to refrain from all nonessential open burning activities as communities respond to the spread of COVID-19.

DEQ West Silver Valley Targeted Airshed Analyst Dan Smith stressed that this message to residents is a multi-agency cooperative voluntary effort and, at this time, Shoshone County is not under a burn ban.

“Having said that, voluntarily closing down open burning just makes sense,” he said. “There are plenty of our family, friends and neighbors in Shoshone County with respiratory issues such as asthma, COPD, etc. We know that open burning has an effect on these folks in the best of times — add in the COVID-19 pandemic and we could have some horrible results.”

People with asthma are recommended to avoid asthma triggers, such as smoke from burning wood or other plants.

Smoke inhalation can cause upper respiratory symptoms, which could be incorrectly attributed to COVID-19. This could lead to unnecessary testing or self-isolation.

To avoid additional health impacts, the public should take standard preventative measures to protect their health from smoke exposure and refrain from residential open burning (tree limbs, leaves, yard trimmings, garden waste, burn barrels and fire pits) and other nonessential open burning activities until further notice.

If open burning is essential, please follow best smoke management practices.

“If our hospitals are overrun with people who need a ventilator for whatever reason and they are all being used, those folks could face some real danger,” Smith said. “Now, we’re not there yet and I hope and pray we’re not going to be, but let’s not take the chance.”

Open burning can also get out of hand if not monitored properly, which then puts an extra burden on first responders and other emergency services that are operating at a reduced capacity and have limited resources to respond to out-of-control burns.

Crews from Shoshone County Fire District No. 2 have already responded to multiple out-of-control burns in just the last few weeks alone.

With PPE in short supply, those at risk of having respiratory problems may find that equipment to reduce smoke exposure is not readily available at this time.

If you must burn, contact your local fire agency beforehand and visit https://www2.deq.idaho.gov/air/AQIPublic/Map/OutdoorBurn to verify if open burning is allowed.

DEQ, IDL and DHW encourage the public to use alternative burning options such as:

- Lawn mulching — Leave grass clippings on your lawn to add nutrients back into the soil and improve lawn health.

- Composting — Compost yard waste to recycle organic material and add nutrients back into the soil.

- Chipping — Add chipped brush, pruning or wood waste to your compost pile or soil to increase nutrient content.

- Curbside pickup — Collect and separate yard waste, organic material and recyclables, and set out for curbside collection. Check with your local government or waste management company for local services.

- Landfills — Many landfills offer free or reduced fees for yard waste.

For additional information or questions, please contact your local fire district at the phone numbers below:

- Shoshone County Fire District No. 1: 208-752-1101

- Shoshone County Fire District No. 2: 208-784-1188

- U.S. Forest Service: 208-783-2100

- Idaho Department of Lands Cataldo: 208-682-4611