Burn ban issued for Jefferson County

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) — Jefferson County residents are being urged to avoid outdoor burning after county officials issued a burn ban due to extreme dry conditions and an increased risk of wildfires.

The burn ban took effect July 6 and will remain in place through Sept. 30.

During the ban, all outdoor burning is prohibited, including brush piles and debris burning. Agricultural burning may still be allowed but must receive approval from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality before any burning takes place.

Officials at the Central Fire District say the restrictions are necessary because of heightened wildfire danger across the region and are asking residents to help prevent human-caused fires by complying with the ban.

Residents are also encouraged to report any unauthorized burning to local authorities.

The burn ban was issued with the support of the Jefferson County Commissioners and will remain in effect through the end of September unless conditions warrant changes.

Officials are reminding the public that dry vegetation, hot temperatures and windy conditions can quickly turn a small fire into a fast-moving wildfire.