Fire Information
Outdoors
2008 Spring Fire Season
Posted on: April 15, 2008
EASTERN IDAHO — Yesterday, was a good indication of springtime and the long overdue seasonal changes. We can enjoy the warmer temperatures, longer days and grass underfoot—a perfect combination for outside activities. However, please remember and be aware that, in eastern Idaho, this combination can also equate to fire on our public land and in our own backyards!
East Idaho Interagency Fire Center (EIIFC) dispatched firefighting personnel and equipment to its first wildfire of 2008. Currently, the 400-acre Swanson Loop Fire is burning on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation. Federal and tribal fire officials witnessed fire activity that is typical for July rather than April. Six foot flame lengths and gusting winds at 9:30 p.m. made suppression difficult.
EIIFC fire prevention and information specialist, Sonja Shadow, summarizes the situation. “In the springtime, when temperatures rise, snow melts and uncovers the dead and dried-out grasses from last year. Before the old growth is crowded out and overtaken by this season’s new growth, it becomes dangerously ignitable. This fine fuel kindling and our typical eastern Idaho spring ‘breezes’ make a prime combination to start a fire. Please use caution!”
While it is Open Burning season—when a burn permit is not required—it is a courtesy to inform the firefighting agencies that protect us and our lands of our intention to burn. Have ample water and hand tools at the site. ALWAYS have somebody physically tending the fire until it is COMPLETELY extinguished. REMEMBER…..where there’s smoke, there’s fire! Make it cold to the touch. Burn permits will be required again starting May 10. Please contact your local fire department and Department of Environmental Quality.
If dry, hot, weather persists, our area could see fire season arrive weeks ahead of schedule. Rain in late May might delay the fire season, but could also assist in the abundance and growth of grasses.
Local fire information can be viewed at www.idahofireinfo.blm.gov/east. This web site will be posted daily or when updates are received. Other points of interest on this web site include: fire danger ratings for local areas, restrictions (if applicable), EIIFC contacts, statistics, definitions and other wildland fire information.
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About Dave Langston
Outdoor writer Dave Langston resides in Chubbuck. He grew up in the Midwest and south fishing and hunting across the country.
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