Idaho Falls, ID:  Outdoor fires from bonfires, burn barrels, and irrigation/weed control are common calls for the Idaho Falls Fire Department during this time of year. The IFFD offers the following information to ensure the safety of community members as well as the protection of property.

Open burning is not allowed inside the city of Idaho Falls limits without a permit through the IFFD Fire Prevention Division.  Permits will not be granted during regional burn restrictions.

All patrons within the Bonneville County Fire District 1 performing open burns must contact the Emergency Dispatch Center at (208) 529-1200 prior to burning.

“Citizens calling dispatch with concerns about an outdoor recreational fire is common. If dispatch is aware of the location and time of pre-planned outdoor burn prior to it happening, they can address the public’s concerns immediately. They call also prevent firefighters from getting dispatching unnecessarily,” states IFFD Fire Marshal, Scott Grimmett.

Open outdoor recreational fires, such as campfires, ceremonial fires or open pit fires for barbecues inside city of Idaho Falls limits is legal, as long as a permit is obtained, air quality allows and all of the conditions listed below are met:

• Outdoor recreational fires must not have a total fuel area larger than 3ft in diameter and not more than 2ft in height. The fires can only be used for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes.   
• Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25ft of a structure or combustible material.  Conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 25ft of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.  Recreational fires in approved portable outdoor fireplaces shall not be conducted within 15ft of a structure or combustible material. 
• Fires shall be constantly attended to until the fire is extinguished.  A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum of a 4A rating or other method of extinguishment shall be available for immediate utilization.
• Burn barrels are prohibited.

All IFFD officers are authorized to order individuals to extinguish any open burning that creates or adds to a hazardous or objectionable situation.

Illegal fires include, but are not limited to the use of the following materials at any time: