Sam Owen Fire District bans fireworks

By Ben Olson
Reader Staff

The Sam Owen Fire District Board of Commissioners declared a state of severe fire danger to exist in the district last week. The declaration stemmed from “potential uncontrollable forest fire and wildfire potential from current low humidity and potential high temperatures,” according to a statement.

As a result, the board unanimously passed a resolution stating, “It shall be unlawful for any person to use any fireworks as defined by Idaho Code … within the Sam Owen Fire District from June 15, 2019 until November 1, 2019.”

Violation of this resolution will result in an infraction, the board wrote.

The Sam Owen Fire District covers approximately 7,000 acres, providing fire protection to residents located between mile marker 41 and mile marker 53 along Highway 200 east of Sandpoint.

“The Board of Commissioners of the Sam Owen Fire District and Co-Fire Chiefs are asking for everyone’s cooperation to ensure a safe and forest fire-free Fourth of July and summer season of 2019.”