How safe are local Halloween attractions?

Corn and straw maze visits are a Halloween staple for many residents in eastern Idaho, but one thing people don’t think about when walking through a maze are the safety hazards. On Friday, an 18-year-old died at a corn maze in Post Falls. Witnesses said the man who was performing a zombie role was running toward a bus when he stumbled and fell forward.

Madison County fire officials said in the event of something dangerous happening in our area straw mazes in Rexburg are prepared. The Strawmaze in Rexburg becomes haunted during the weekends and it can make it even more difficult for people to find their way out. Madison County Fire Inspector Dale Pickering said don’t worry because the mazes are up to fire code.

“We use the fire code to help give us guidelines for what is allowed and is not allowed for straw mazes. For example, you need to have an exit within 200 ft. in all parts of the straw mazes,” said Pickering.

Pickering also said the county and city make guidelines for straw mazes.

“You have your local fire codes, but we have taken those and added to it. We have tried to set the standards for safety precautions. For example, in our maze, we have eight fire exits,” said Jordan Parson, manager of operations.

There are also signs placed throughout the maze that warn people about the dangers of smoking. Parson said smoking in the maze can cause dry straw to easily catch fire.

“Be willing to have fun with your family because we are not worried about the safety of your kids. We are going to make sure they can reunite with them very quickly,” Parson said.

The maze is open Monday through Saturday. It becomes a haunted maze and forests on the weekends.

For more information click here,http://strawmaze.com/hauntedmaze.