Stage 1 fire restrictions implemented in Southwest Idaho

SOUTHWEST ADA COUNTY, Idaho — The Boise National Forest, Idaho Department of Lands, and Bureau of Land Management are putting Stage 1 fire restrictions in place starting at 12:01 a.m. on August 5. This applies to state, endowment, private, and federal lands in the West Central Mountains Fire Restrictions Zone.

These restrictions aim to lower the risk of wildfires caused by human activities, such as campfires and smoking.

Stage 1 restrictions will cover the entire Boise National Forest. For BLM and Bureau of Reclamation lands, the restrictions will be applied to areas east of the Snake River, north and west of Highway 95 to the Little Weiser River, and north of the Little Weiser River up to the Payette National Forest boundary.

Under Stage 1 fire restrictions:

• Campfires and Charcoal Fires: Can only be used in designated campgrounds and must be in a permanent campfire structure, like metal or concrete.
• Smoking: Allowed only in designated recreation sites or while standing in an area cleared of flammable vegetation within three feet, and only if you are inside a vehicle or building.
• Dispersed Camping: If you’re camping along roads or backpacking, you can only use a liquid fuel stove (like propane) and must do so over an area cleared of flammable vegetation within three feet. Wood stoves are allowed if they have a chimney at least five feet long and a spark arrestor.
• Private Landowners: Can use charcoal (if properly disposed of) or propane barbecues on their own property.