Lower temperatures and the potential for rain showers throughout the remainder of this week have prompted fire officials to reduce the fire restriction level from Stage 2 to Stage 1 throughout southern Idaho. That means people will be able to use mechanized equipment throughout the day and build campfires in fire pits in certain campgrounds.
The change took effect on Tuesday, Sept. 18, at 12:01 a.m.
Despite the improving conditions, people need to be aware that fire danger still remains real, Twin Falls District BLM Fire Management Officer Chris Simonson said.
"The fire outlook is improving, which does allow us to reduce fire restrictions," Simonson said. "Still, we know there is a lot of use out there during the fall season and things are still very dry. It's important to keep using good sense to prevent wildfires."
The restrictions cover outdoor activities on both public and private land. Federal land management agencies monitor compliance on national forest and BLM land and local fire departments monitor compliance on private and local public land.
Stage 1 restrictions went into effect on July 12, and were bumped up to Stage 2 on July 26. Under State 2 restrictions, all open fires are prohibited and the use of power equipment such as chainsaws is prohibited from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Under Stage 1 restrictions, the following activities remain prohibited:
· Building a fire on public lands outside designated recreation sites. Fires are permitted only within a metal or concrete fire structure provided by the administrative agency.
· Personal barbecue use.
· Smoking except within a vehicle or building, a designated recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is cleared of all flammable materials.
Stage 1 fire restrictions allow use of propane, butane or white gas lanterns and stoves and LPG gas stoves.
Bill Murphy, fire management officer for the Ketchum Ranger District and Sawtooth National Recreation Area, said campfires are permitted at Boundary Campground and at certain campgrounds on the SNRA. He said campers should check at local ranger stations for information on which campgrounds permit fires.
"Now people will be able to go out and get their firewood," Murphy said. "But it's still dry. People still need to be very careful."
