Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about Stage 2 Fire Restrictions. More information about fire restrictions can be found in the Idaho Fire Restrictions Plan.
Campfires
Campfires are not allowed anywhere when under a Stage II restriction.
No, under stage 2 fire restrictions all campfires are prohibited outside of city limits and/or incorporated areas.
No, If your privately owned land is outside of a city limit or incorporated area you are restricted from having a campfire under state statutes (Idaho Code, Title 38, Section 115).
N0, unless you have a written permit which authorizes the prohibited activities by the appropriate agency official granting a specific exemption.
Stove Fires
Any stove fueled solely by liquid petroleum (i.e. gas, Coleman fuel etc.) or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) (i.e. propane, etc.) fuel is OK under both Stage I and Stage II.
Stoves fueled by wood and/or charcoal that are not being used in a building or vehicle are prohibited under both Stage I and Stage II.
Metal fire pans can be used in the following locations: by people who are 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.
- Salmon River from Vinegar Creek to its mouth at the Snake River below the
mean high-water mark. - South Fork of the Snake River from Palisades Dam to Mike Walker Boat Access.
- Henry’s Fork of the Snake River from St. Anthony to Mike Walker Boat Access.
A metal fire pan is an 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, and a metal grate on top.
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.
Sheep herder stoves are prohibited in wall tents because they are not being used in a building or vehicle and since they burn wood or charcoal are considered the same as a campfire. They are also usually not used in developed recreation sites, and even if they are, the stoves are not considered owner provided fire structures. There is potential for these stoves to cause wildfires both while in use and when users discard the ashes.
Charcoal grills can easily cause wildfires because they can hold heat long period of time and users usually discard the ashes. Portable charcoal grills can also easily be tipped over and can produce blowing embers which can easily ignite vegetation during extreme fire conditions.
Charcoal is OK to use under Stage I Fire Restrictions in developed recreation sites in owner provided fire structures ONLY- because the owner provided structure is permanently mounted in a fixed position and cannot be easily tipped over.
Using liquid or gas fuel eliminates ashes or hot charcoal briquettes that need disposal. These types of stoves do not produce embers. Additionally, they have an ON/OFF switch that once “OFF” have a substantially reduced ability to ignite a wildfire.
Dutch Ovens in and of themselves are not restricted, but how they are heated is. During Stage 1 fire restrictions if you are using wood or charcoal, they may be used ONLY in developed recreation sites in owner provided fire structures. They can be used anywhere at any time utilizing stoves fueled by liquid petroleum or liquid petroleum gas.
Motorized Vehicles & Equipment
Under Stage 2 motorized vehicle use is limited to designated roads and trails. Visitors are reminded to consult agency travel plan maps because there are identified roads and trails that are closed to motorized travel either seasonally or year-round. Some agencies also may have restrictions which require users to stay on designated roads and trails year-round regardless of whether there is fire restriction in place or not
Under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions there are restrictions on the use of chainsaws or generators relating to wildfire potential.
The following acts are prohibited from 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.:
- Operating a chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine for felling, bucking, skidding, yarding, processing, road building and woodcutting during industrial operations or firewood gathering.
- Blasting, welding, grinding or other activities that generate flame or flammable material.
- Using an explosive.
A 1-hour patrol is required after the activities described above have ceased. For forest operations requiring an IDL-issued Certificate of Compliance, a 3-hour patrol is required. If the work is occurring under an IDL “Option 1” Certificate of Compliance, a 1-hour patrol is required.
During Stage 2 there are restrictions on blasting, welding and grinding. Between the hours of 1:00 pm and 1:00 am you cannot blast, weld, grind or engage in other activities that generate flame, sparks, or flammable material.
A 1-hour patrol is required after the activities described above have ceased. For forest operations requiring an IDL-issued Certificate of Compliance, a 3-hour patrol is required. If the work is occurring under an IDL “Option 1” Certificate of Compliance, a 1-hour patrol is required.
Smoking
Under Stage 2 fire restrictions, smoking is PROHIBITED except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
Fireworks
Fireworks are always illegal on all federal lands. Even possession of fireworks is illegal on these lands!
Prior to igniting fireworks on privately owned lands, consult your local fire department since this activity may be illegal under city and/or county ordinances.
Idaho Code prohibits “throwing away of any lighted materials.” If a wildfire is a result of a firework, the responsible party may be liable for suppression costs and damages.