Central Idaho dispatch zone in extreme danger

SALMON, Idaho — Due to weather and fuel conditions, the Central Idaho Dispatch Zone has become an area of extreme fire danger.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, small fires can quickly become large in extreme fire danger and exhibit extreme fire intensity, such as long-distance spotting and fire whirls. These fires can be challenging to control and will often become much more significant and longer-lasting.

The Forest Service cautions campers, hikers or travelers to #KnowBeforeYouGo. The Central Idaho Fire Restrictions Area is in stage one fire restrictions and encompasses portions of Custer County north and east of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (excluding the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness) and the portion of Lemhi County that is not federal land designated as wilderness. Stage one fire restrictions apply to campfires and smoking.

Under Stage 1 restrictions, regulations prohibit building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire except within a designated recreation site, on their land, and within an owner-provided fire structure.

A fire structure is a permanent metal or concrete improvement designed explicitly to contain a campfire or cooking fire provided by the agency or landowner. It must have a ten-foot clearance on all sides, free of flammable vegetation. This does not include a metal fire pan, as defined.

Restrictions also prohibit smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or designated recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

Restrictions allowed campfires only in recreation sites within metal or concrete fire pits. Anyone in an area where campfires are permitted must be prepared to put out their fire.

The restrictions will remain in effect until a significant change in fire danger occurs. For additional information on fire restrictions, go here.

The Forest Service advises people to be cautious. Officials can hold people liable for damages and firefighting costs if they are responsible for starting a wildfire, even by accident.

The Forest Service advises anyone who sees a wildfire to call the Central Idaho Dispatch Center at 208-756-5157 or 911 as soon as possible.

People near an ongoing wildfire suppression operation must keep their distance. Do not congregate in the area. Allow the firefighters to do their job safely and efficiently.

The Forest Service advises that people take action to reduce human-caused fires during this season. One less spark means one less wildfire.

Unmanned aircraft systems should not be flown near or around wildfires on National Forest System lands.

To learn about Forest Service policy regarding unoccupied aircraft systems, click here.