Here’s what Idaho Falls Fire Department wants you to know before that spring burn

The following is a news release from the Idaho Falls Fire Department.

IDAHO FALLS – As warmer weather often leads to a higher response of outside fires for the Idaho Falls Fire Department, officials are reminding residents about the rules and safety precautions for burning.

While recreational fires are permitted inside city limits, a permit is required for bonfires and irrigation/weed control. It’s always illegal to burn leaves, trash, construction and yard debris inside city limits. Burn barrels are strictly prohibited. There are no permits issued for this type of burning. All Idaho Falls Fire Department officials are authorized to order individuals to extinguish any open burning that creates or adds to a hazardous or objectionable situation.

“Open burning in city limits poses a significant risk to quickly get out of control, leading to damaged property or threatening the safety of others,” said Idaho Falls Fire Chief Duane Nelson. “Structures are closer together and a small ember can lead to tragic consequences.”

Recreational fires

While it is legal to have open outdoor recreational fires, such as fire pits, inside city limits when weather conditions and air quality permits doing so, the fires must meet the following requirements:

• Outdoor recreational fires must not have a total fuel area greater than three feet in diameter and no more than two feet in height. They can only be used for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes.
• Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material. Conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition. Recreational fires in approved portable outdoor fireplaces shall not be conducted within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material.
• Fires shall be constantly attended to until the fire is extinguished. A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum of 4-A rating or other method of extinguishing the fire shall be available for immediate utilization.

Bonfires/irrigation weed control

Bonfires and irrigation/weed control fires are only permissible with a Fire Code Operational Permit issued by Idaho Falls Fire Prevention at (208) 612-8497 or fireprev@idahofallsidaho.gov.

Bonfires are defined as a fire that is greater than three feet in diameter and more than two feet in height. Irrigation and weed control fires are defined as limited fires to maintain irrigation ditches or control weeds. These fires are sometimes permitted where other means are impractical, and fire poses little to no nuisance.

Controlled or prescribed burns

While open burning is prohibited in city limits, controlled or prescribed burns are common during the spring in Bonneville County. While often essential for agricultural needs, those fires can quickly become uncontrolled. The Idaho Falls Fire Department is encouraging property owners to take extra preventative measures, check current weather conditions, and to let them know about controlled burns prior to starting them.

If you are burning, remember the following:

• At least 50 feet away from structures, vehicles, trailers, or trees. The further away the better!
  Clear the area around the fire down to the soil.
• Keep it small and manageable. A smaller pile is easier to control. Don’t add more material than you can safely manage.
• Keep a hose, shovel, metal rake, and a bucket of water on hand — don’t start the fire until your tools are nearby.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Don’t burn on windy days! Windy days = danger. Even a light breeze can blow sparks into dry grass. Only burn on calm, mild days with good humidity.
• Prior to starting the controlled burn, call the Idaho Falls/Bonneville County Dispatch Center at (208) 529-1200 and provide them with the location, date, and time of the burn. Call them again when the burn is complete.

Illegal fires

Illegal fires inside city limits include, but are not limited to lawn clippings, tar or tar paper, telephone poles, hazardous materials, railroad ties, rubber materials, construction waste, oil, grease, dead animals, demolition/salvage, household waste, asphalt materials, debris, tires, preservative-treated wood, junk motor vehicles, plastics, pathogenic waste, commercial waste, paints, insulated wire, industrial waste, petroleum products.

For additional information or questions, contact Fire Prevention at (208) 612-8497. Additional fire prevention information is also available on the Idaho Falls Fire Department website.