Closed Burning Season Ending for Idaho

“Closed fire season,” the five months of the year when state burn permits are legally required in Idaho, ends Monday, October 20. Burn permits are normally required from May 10 through October 20 each year and are issued by the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL).

Idaho law requires any person planning to burn outside city limits within Idaho, including crop residue burning, to obtain a state burn permit during the closed period. Many local and county ordinances may require burn permits all year round and it is best practices to contact your local fire department before igniting any woody debris.

“Obtaining a free burn permit outside of the closed fire season helps local authorities quickly identify whether reports of smoke are due to intentional debris burning or late-season wildfires,” said IDL Fire Management Chief Josh Harvey. “No matter the time of year, anyone starting a fire is responsible for that fire until it is out. If your fire gets away, you can be held liable for any property damages and for fire suppression costs.”

For most debris burning, IDL Burn Permits are free and issued immediately upon application online at https://burnpermits.idaho.gov/. Permits for burning crop residue are issued by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality and available online at https://www2.deq.idaho.gov/air/CRB/.

While temperatures have cooled and there has been precipitation, there are still dry fuels on the ground. If you plan to burn debris this fall, please continue to use caution.

“While we will no longer be in closed fire season, there is still a risk of fire,” said Harvey. “We all need to do our part, using common sense and caution when burning yard waste, slash, or having a campfire when hunting.”

Please use caution whenever burning by following these steps:

General Burning Guidelines

• Clear all flammable material and vegetation within 10 feet of the outer edge of pile.
• Keep a water supply and shovel close to the burning site.
• A responsible adult is required by law to be in attendance until the fire is out.
• If it’s windy and the surrounding vegetation is very dry, it may be best to wait and burn debris another day.

More information about fire prevention information and burning guidelines can be found at https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-management/fire-prevention-and-preparedness/.