Fire danger leads to Jefferson County burn ban

Jefferson County Commissioners have unanimously approved a resolution banning open fires during the weeks surrounding the solar eclipse August 21. The ban includes open fires of any kind on all property located in unincorporated areas of the county between August 14 and August 26. The exceptions include campfires built within approved pits at improved campgrounds or picnic areas. Agricultural burning permits will not be issued during the period. Large numbers of people are expected in the region during the traditional peak of Idaho’s wildfire season. The county commission said thick, dry vegetation on public lands, limited access, and the difficulty of maneuvering emergency vehicles in crowded conditions prompted the recommendation from the county’s fire districts for a county-wide burn ban. “The influx of people, along with the traffic we expect, will make response more difficult,” said Central Fire District Chief Bryan Grover. “This time of year we are prone to have more fires due to normal seasonal conditions.” Grover pointed out that if a fire gets out of control and causes damage to a neighbor’s property, the person who started the fire could be responsible.