JACKSON, Wyo. — Beginning today, July 15, Caribou-Targhee National Forest, in conjunction with other land management agencies in Eastern Idaho, has issued stage one fire restrictions for all regions in the East Idaho area.
The restrictions include Bannock, Bonneville, Bingham, Bear Lake, Butte, Clark, Caribou, Fremont, Franklin, Jefferson, Madison, Power, Oneida and Teton Counties and a portion of Lemhi and Blaine Counties.
Restrictions are included for all Caribou-Targhee National Forest managed lands in Teton and Lincoln Counties in Wyoming and Box Elder County, Utah.
According to Caribou-Targhee National Forest, the lingering high temperatures and lack of moisture across the region has caused wildfire potential to increase significantly. The intent of fire restrictions is to reduce fire starts and provide for public safety.
East Idaho is in “extreme” fire danger across the lowlands and the highlands are in “very high” fire danger.
The following acts are prohibited on state, state endowment lands, private forested lands and federally managed protected lands until further notice:
- Building, maintaining, attending to, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal grill or stove fire, except within a designated recreation site, and only within a fire structure provided by the administrative agency or landowner.
- 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.
The order is effective until Oct. 31, 2021.
The Goose Fire is currently burning in Montana, just beyond the Idaho state line in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The fire began on July 1 and is thought to be caused by lightning. It is currently 10% contained and has burned 4,286 acres as of 9 a.m. on July 15. Crews estimate the fire will be contained by October 13.
