Burn permits required starting Sunday
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 1 hour, 31 minutes AGO
Starting May 10, Idaho residents outside city limits must obtain a burn permit for most outdoor burning activities.
The annual closed burning season runs through Oct. 20, ensuring compliance with Idaho law and reducing unwanted human-caused wildfires, according to a press release.
Who needs a permit
Individuals living outside city limits anywhere in Idaho who plan to burn for any reason, including yard waste and crop residue, must obtain a burn permit. Recreational campfires do NOT require a burn permit.
How to get a burn permit
Please visit the self-service website at burnpermits.idaho.gov. Permits are available seven days a week, issued immediately and are valid. Your local IDL office may also issue a permit. Burn permits are free and good for 10 days. You must have your permit with you when burning. No matter where you want to burn and what you plan to burn, our system will either issue you the burn permit you need on the spot or tell you which entity to contact for alternate or additional permits. Using burnpermits.idaho.gov also connects you to tips for safe burning practices.
Why get a burn permit
Obtaining a burn permit lets fire managers know where permitted burning is occurring, enabling them to respond more quickly and potentially reducing the burner's liability. Permits also help prevent false runs to fires reported to dispatch, saving firefighting resources for when they are truly needed. And it is the law.
How to know if burning is allowed
Visit burnpermits.idaho.gov to learn about the types of burning allowed in your fire protection district. Some types of burning may not be allowed at times due to heightened wildfire risk. Additionally, some local jurisdictions and counties may have other burning requirements or restrictions in place. Always check with your local fire department or county sheriff’s office before lighting.
Air quality restrictions
Ensure your burn complies with air quality regulations. Visit the Idaho DEQ website at www.deq.idaho.gov/air-quality/smoke-and-burning/ for more details or contact your Tribal government if burning within Reservation boundaries.
Additional assistance
If you have questions about burn permits and requirements, contact the Idaho Department of Lands Fire Management in Coeur d’Alene at 208-769-1525.