During Stage 2, fire restrictions are generally more stringent than Stage 1. However Stage 2 restrictions still provide flexibility for those working or recreating in Idaho’s great outdoors. These enhanced fire restrictions are designed to help prevent unwanted human-caused fires when fire conditions are extreme.
Stage 2 restrictions take into account the National Wildland Fire Preparedness Levels. Preparedness levels are determined according to fuel and weather conditions, fire activity, and fire suppression resource availability throughout the country. As preparedness levels increase, fire suppression resources are at a premium or may not be available due to increased national demand.
Listed below you’ll find information about prohibited actions during Stage 2 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 2 Fire Restrictions
During Stage 2 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 (wood or gas fueled), or stove fire.
2
Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a designated recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
3
Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails in accordance with existing travel management plans.
4
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.
Exemptions to Stage 2 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 or stove fire fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels. Such devises, 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 on federal lands designated as the Frank Church River of No Return, Gospel Hump, or Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Areas.
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.
The only exception to the ¼ mile rule is:
- Salmon River from Vinegar Creek to its mouth at the Snake River, where fire pans are allowed only below the mean high water mark.
5
Persons using a generator with an approved spark arrester on areas that are cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the generator.
6
Log loading and hauling only from landings and existing roads.
7
Private landowners using charcoal (disposed of properly) or propane barbecues on their own lands.
8
Crop lands.
9
Emergency repair of public utilities and railroads as per attached conditions in Stage II Exemptions for Public Utilities and Railroads, Appendix 11.
10
Any federal, state, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force, in the performance of an official duty.
11
Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.
12
All land within a city boundary.
Definitions
The 2023 Idaho Fire Restrictions Plan defines the terms used on this page. Here are the definitions you need to understand Stage 2 Fire Restrictions.
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.