Local farmers and county commissioners seek to create rural fire protection district

People are working to try to create a rural fire district near Idaho Falls and Ammon.

A rural fire district is a protection area that is not in an immediate local fire district, such as the area where the Henry’s Creek fire broke out this summer.

“What we’re trying to do with the rural fire protection area is in 2012 our Legislature and the governor passed a law enabling farmers and ranchers to enter into a volunteer board of directors-type situation for areas that are not in a fire district,” said Bonneville County Commissioner Dave Radford.

There are eight rural fire protection areas in the state. Bonneville County Commissioners are trying to make a new one.

“Obviously, it takes interest and commitment and kind of a volunteer spirit in order to do it. Many of these farmers haves disks, and tractors, and even some tender and water trucks, (and) they’ve over the years tried to take care of the fires on their own land,” said Radford.

The crew will consist of volunteer farmers and ranchers who live near the rural area. Their training, radio communication, and protective gear will be paid for by the Idaho Department of Lands. Proponents say adding a volunteer crew to help fight fires will lessen the stress on nearby cities as well.

“We’re optimistic because the need is definitely there. We have a lot of land that’s in ‘no man’s land’. As you know, the statute puts a responsibility on the local sheriff in those areas. So this is an effort also, I think, to alleviate some of the hardships that are created by a wildfire like this on a local sheriff,” said Radford.

People who live in rural areas outside Idaho Falls and Ammon are invited to a meeting Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the Bonneville County Courthouse.