TETON COUNTY, Idaho — Caribou-Targhee National Forest (CTNF) has implemented Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on Eastern Idaho’s federal, state and private forest and rangelands, roads and trails, effective as of 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7. Teton County is already under a burn ban.
The restrictions encompass all CTNF land, according to an announcement by the forest. Also impacted are lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management Idaho Falls District, Fort Hall Agency BIA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation and the Idaho Department of Lands.
“With the fire season well underway, these restrictions are intended to keep visitors to public lands safe as well as prevent dangerous and damaging wildfires,” CTNF’s announcement reads.
On state and federally managed or protected lands, roads and trails in CTNF’s Big Desert Zone, Caribou Zone and Centennial Zone, the following is prohibited:
- Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire except within a designated recreation site and in a permanent concrete or metal fire ring, or on private land, and only within an owner-provided structure.
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, building or designated recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
Exemptions to the restrictions include all land within city boundaries and activities authorized by written permission. See the full restriction details here.
In another sign of heightened fire conditions, a Red Flag Warning covering much of eastern Idaho will be in effect on Aug. 7 from 1 to 9 p.m.
Most of southern Wyoming and almost the entire state of Utah are also under Red Flag Warnings, joining a large swath of the West where the potential for high winds leads to increased wildfire danger. Stay safe out there.
