Coeur d'Alene, ID - Thousands of communities and neighborhoods across the country are participating in National Night Out events on Tuesday, August 2, 2022. The event, sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch brings law enforcement, civic groups, fire departments, neighborhood associations and local officials to get to know each other and discuss important issues.

National Night Out represents a perfect opportunity for the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) to interact with communities about the important topic of wildfire prevention.

As more communities grow into the wildland urban interface (WUI) it is critical for the public to do their part and learn what proactive measures they can take to protect their homes from wildfire, and what behaviors they could change to reduce the chances of igniting a wildfire.
IDL’s Forest Protective Districts plan to participate in at least three National Night Out events in north Idaho barring any new wildland fire starts on their districts.

The public is encouraged to come out and see firefighting equipment, meet fire staff, and learn what they can do to reduce human caused wildfire.
This year you can meet IDL fire crews at three events:

• Spirit Lake: The IDL Fire Prevention Specialist, and the Mica Forest Protection District plan to participate with an engine and crew in collaboration with the USDA Forest Service Panhandle National Forest fire staff.
• Moscow: IDL’s Ponderosa Forest Protective District plans to participate with an engine and crew.
• Lapwai: IDL Helitack is planning to land a firefighting helicopter and have crew members available for answering questions and taking pictures.

IDL and its Forest Protective Districts are an important part of our communities.

“Our people live in these communities and have a vested interest in protecting not only our natural resources, but our homes and our neighbors,” said State Forester Craig Foss. “With the growth into the WUI, it is more important than ever to take fire prevention to heart and also take action around property before the danger of wildfire is at hand.”

National Night Out takes place the first Tuesday of August each year. For more information on what is happening in your community, please reach out to your local law enforcement office. Find more fire prevention and preparedness resources online at www.idl.idaho.gov.

 

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MEDIA CONTACT
Sharla Arledge
Public Information Officer
(208) 334-0286
pio@idl.idaho.gov