During Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, some activities are not permitted, but there’s plenty of flexibility for campers to enjoy the great outdoors and even a camp cooked meal. These fire restrictions are designed to help prevent unwanted human-caused fires when fire conditions are dangerous.
Listed below you’ll find information about prohibited actions during Stage 1 Fire Restrictions and the exceptions to the rules. Both the prohibitions and the exceptions are outlined in the 2023 Idaho Fire Restrictions Plan.
Actions Prohibited During Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
During Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, the following acts are prohibited until the restrictions in a given zone are lifted:
1
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 fire structure.
2
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.
Exemptions to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
An exemption does not absolve an individual or organization from liability or responsibility for any fire started by the exempted activity.
1
Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act.
2
Persons using a fire solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels. Such devices, including propane campfires, may be used only in an area cleared of flammable material.
3
Persons using stove fires with a chimney of at least five (5) feet in length and employing a spark arrester with a maximum mesh screen opening of ¼ inch.
4
Persons using metal fire pans within ¼ mile of:
- The Salmon River from the Corn Creek launch site to Vinegar Creek.
- The Middle Fork of the Salmon River.
- The Selway River from the Paradise boat launch to Race Creek.
- The Snake River from Hells Canyon Dam to the City of Lewiston.
- Henry’s Fork of the Snake River from St. Anthony to Mike Walker Boat Access.
- South Fork of the Snake River from Palisades Dam to Mike Walker Boat Access.
5
Private landowners using charcoal (disposed of properly) or propane barbecues on their own lands.
6
Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.
7
Any federal, state, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force, in the performance of an official duty
Definitions
The 2023 Idaho Fire Restrictions Plan defines the terms used on this page. Here are the definitions you need to understand Stage 1 Fire Restrictions.
A permanent metal or concrete improvement specifically designed for the purpose of containing a campfire or cooking fire, provided by the agency or landowner, with a clearance of ten feet on all sides that is free of any flammable vegetation. This does not include a metal fire pan.
An approved fire pan is a durable, metal pan at least 12-inches x 12-inches wide, with at least a 3-inch lip around its outer edge and sufficient to contain a fire and its remains. Visitors must elevate fire pans off the ground to prevent scorching of the soil. If the fire pan does not have legs to elevate it, rocks must be placed underneath the corners of the fire pan. All ash must be removed and carried out of the river corridor in a sealed container or durable bag.