Fremont County under burn ban as triple-digit heat looms
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ST. ANTHONY – As scorching temperatures and dry conditions continue throughout eastern Idaho, Fremont County officials say fire restrictions are in place until further notice.
The burn ban, which goes into effect on Friday, applies to private land outside the city limits of Ashton, Newdale, Parker, St. Anthony and Teton.
During this time, the open burning of weeds, ditches, slash piles and other items is not allowed. Fireworks are also prohibitied.
“Hot work, such as welding, grinding and cutting, must be performed in a 10-foot area free of combustible materials. A shovel and water source must be present,” Fremont County Emergency Management officials say in a Thursday afternoon news release. “Campfires in approved fire pits are allowed with a shovel and water source.”
Approved fire pits must be about 16 inches deep, surrounded by rocks, stones, or bricks that protrude 6 inches above the ground level. There must be a 10-foot diameter of cleared space around the fire pit.
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The Eastern Idaho Interagency Fire Center indicates fire danger is very high and there are multiple fires burning in remote areas near Idaho Falls, Ammon, Rexburg and St. Anthony.
Due to the ongoing threat of wildfires, officials say Fremont County is in “ready” status, which means residents should be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice in the event a fire breaks out.
“Have an action plan of where to go and how to communicate with each other in case of an evacuation. Include a family contact from outside of the area,” officials say. “Create a ‘Go Kit’ as suggested by the American Red Cross and keep an extra one in your car. Keep the fuel tank half full.”
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A similar burn ban went into effect in Bonneville County earlier Thursday. Fire restrictions are also in place for Jefferson County, effective July 6 through Sept. 30.
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In an email to EastIdahoNews.com Tuesday afternoon, the National Weather Service in Pocatello said temperatures throughout eastern Idaho would increase through the weekend and will be 10-15 degrees above normal.
“By Sunday, daytime high temperatures could be nearing 100 degrees across the lower elevations — about 10-15 degrees above seasonal averages,” meteorologists say. “Beyond the next week or so, temperature outlooks call for above-normal temperatures continuing through the balance of July.”
There will be very little relief overnight. The NWS says foreseeable overnight temperatures will also be higher than normal and are not expected to cool things down significantly.
“There is a 60-70% chance of above-normal temperatures continuing through the end of July,” forecasters predict.
EastIdahoNews.com will provide updates as we receive them. For the latest conditions and a complete seven-day forecast in your area, click here.
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