Seasonal fire restrictions set for Canfield Mountain

A seasonal ban on fires in the Canfield Mountain area is being implemented by the Idaho Panhandle National Forests.

Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire is prohibited from May 10 to Oct. 20 each year. The restrictions stem from the history of human-caused fires on Canfield Mountain, as well as residents’ observations and concerns about abandoned campfires, a Monday press release said.

“Support from our partners with the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, Idaho Department of Lands, Cancourse LLC and Canfield area residents was critical in reaching this decision,” says Coeur d’Alene River Ranger District Ranger, Holly Hampton. “Collaborative decisions are an essential part of managing public lands.”

The goal is to protect homes, public infrastructure and continued public access to recreation. The dates align with the Idaho Department of Lands closed fire season and expire before the fall rifle hunting season.

Violation of these prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both, the release said.