Annual burn permit law to take effect
If you plan a controlled burn, you’ll need a fire safety burn permit from the Idaho Department of Lands beginning May 10.
The burn permit system is intended to inform fire managers where burning activities are happening, reducing the number of false runs to fires, and preserving firefighting resources for actual emergencies. It will also enable fire managers to respond more quickly to fires that escape and help reduce the liability of the burner if their fire escapes.
The fire safety burn permit is free of charge and good from 10 days after it is issued. The state provides a self-service website that is available seven days a week. Permits are issued and valid immediately, but will not be issued in areas where local burn bans have been enacted.
People are also encouraged to contact local fire departments before burning. Some departments may require their own burn permits. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality may also order burn restrictions. You can learn more about IDEQ restrictions here.
Idaho law (38-115) requires any person living outside city limits anywhere in Idaho who plans to burn anything – including crop residue burning and excluding recreational campfires – during closed fire season to obtain a fire safety burn permit. Closed fire season begins May 10 and extends through October 20 every year.
You can find additional permit information here.
