REFER:

The best fireworks this year are those that stay in the box/Editorial, A4

Drought conditions in 80% of the state have officials seeing red, prompting burn restrictions across Kootenai County ahead of the extreme weather forecast. Highs Monday and Tuesday could reach 107, the National Weather Service says.

Effective today at midnight, the Kootenai County Fire Chiefs Association decreed that burning will be closed for all fires except those in an approved fire pit. The decision comes in the wake of days of low humidity and 100-degree weather expected through the Fourth of July holiday. 

KCFCA also asked the community to use “safe and sane” fireworks — non-aerial displays like fountains, sparklers, wheels and whistles. 

Illegal fireworks include:

• Bottle rockets

• Skyrockets

• Roman candles

• Firecrackers

• Missiles

• Parachutes

• Sky flyers

• Display shells

• Anything aerial

“Please be safe and remember even safe and sane fireworks can cause injuries and start a fire that damages homes and starts wildfires,” a Thursday news release said. 

The city of Post Falls also reminds residents that per City Code 8.08.040, it's prohibited to set off fireworks anywhere other than personal private property. Public parks, playgrounds, schools, parking lots, alleys, trails, streets and sidewalks are also illegal. 

“With an extremely dry and hot spring and summer, the risk of fire danger in our area has greatly increased,” a Post Falls news release said Thursday. “We encourage everyone to do their part to prevent fires by following all fireworks rules and regulations as well as making sure to secure matches and lighters after celebrating with Safe and Sane fireworks.” 

In Post Falls, the sale and lighting of fireworks are permitted from June 23 to July 5 at 5 p.m. To report suspected illegal use to the Post Falls Police Department, please call their nonemergency number 208-773-3517. To report a fire or other emergency, call 911.

The KCFCA noted that drought conditions and windstorm damage have pushed 2021 summer fire conditions above the norm. The Idaho Department of Lands has boosted fire resources this year because of the drought area — nearly five times the amount of 2020 — with increased engine staff and the use of drones. 

“With extreme conditions upon us, Idaho Department of Lands resources are ready and stationed strategically to aggressively fight fires when they are first reported,” Gov. Brad Little said Thursday. 

While it's legal to have open, outdoor recreational fires in Kootenai County, KCFCA said all fires must meet the following requirements:

• Outdoor recreational fires must not have a total fuel area greater than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.

• Fires can only be used for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes.

• Individuals shall initiate no fire within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material.

• Recreational fires in approved portable outdoor fireplaces shall not be conducted within 15-feet of a structure or combustible material.

• Fires shall be constantly attended to until the fire is extinguished.

• A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum of 4-A rating or another extinguishing method must be available for immediate utilization.

Already in 2021, IDL Fire has responded to 105 wildfires that have burned 438 acres on state and private lands. 

To assist IDL with fire control, the state Legislature and Little appropriated $20 million to the Fire Suppression Deficiency Fund for resources to combat fires across 6 million acres of Idaho land. 

“We all need to be smart and do our part to prevent wildfires this summer,” Little said. “While recreating and enjoying our public lands, I urge all Idahoans to be thoughtful in doing everything we can to prevent unnecessary fire starts.”