Fire restrictions set for Bonner County

Fire restriction zones for North Idaho.

If you plan to visit local public lands during Independence Day Weekend, the Idaho Panhandle National Forests and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) suggest you “Know Before You Go.” Prior planning will ensure that you and your family have a safe and fun holiday weekend.

Every year forest conditions change and this year it is more important than ever that forest visitors recognize the current fire danger on federal lands. Above average temperatures, combined with little to no precipitation in the past several months have left forests tinder-dry. If you are headed out to enjoy your public lands, please be extra cautious to avoid accidentally starting a wildfire.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions have been implemented for all lands below 3,000 feet in elevation for Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai, Shoshone, Benewah and Latah Counties. The following are prohibited:

•Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire except within a designated recreation site, or on their own land, and only within an owner-provided structure.

•Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or designated recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

Also, be advised that fireworks are prohibited on all national forest and BLM land year-round.

Be safe and have a great holiday!