Fire Regulations in Kootenai County, ID (2026)
7 rules for unincorporated Kootenai County, Idaho.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
In the unincorporated county, recreational and cooking fire pits need no permit but must be no larger than 3 feet across, kept at least 25 feet from any structure, with 10 feet of clearance around the pit, attended at all times, and a water hose or shovel on scene.
Backyard Fire Pit Rules in Kootenai County
Some RestrictionsKootenai County Fire & Rescue - Recreation/Cooking Fire Regulations
Pit can be no larger than 3 feet in diameter. Fires shall not be within twenty-five (25) feet of a structure. A minimum of 10 feet around pit shall be maintained free of grass, shrubbery, weeds, vegetation, and any other combustible material, including overhanging limbs from trees.
Fireworks
Idaho lets consumers buy and use only 'nonaerial common fireworks' (ground spinners, fountains, sparklers, smoke devices, snakes). Aerial and firecracker-type fireworks are not legal for general use. Sale/use is limited to June 23-July 5 and Dec 26-Jan 1.
Fireworks Rules in Kootenai County, Idaho
Some RestrictionsIdaho Code 39-2602(6)
"Nonaerial common fireworks" means any fireworks such as ground spinners, fountains, sparklers, smoke devices or snakes designed to remain on or near the ground and not to travel outside a fifteen (15) foot diameter circle... Nonaerial common fireworks do not include firecrackers, jumping jacks, or similar products.
Brush Clearance
Wildfire mitigation plans required for timbered subdivisions in unincorporated Kootenai County must include a real vegetation-clearance plan, not just a map. Land Use and Development Code section 8.6.901(B)(3) caps canopy cover near proposed building sites at fifty percent, requires pruned lower branches and a debris-free ground surface, and requires removal of ladder fuels and dead or dying trees, while non-hazardous snags can stay for wildlife.
Wildfire Fuel Clearance Standards in Kootenai County
Some RestrictionsKootenai County LUDC 8.6.901(B)(3)
3. Short and long term plans for eliminating dangerous vegetative and fuel conditions in and around proposed building sites. Canopy cover in these areas should be less than fifty percent (50%), lower branches should be pruned, the ground should be relatively free of debris, and ladder fuels and dead and dying trees must be removed. Snags that do not present a fire hazard should, however, be lef...
Outdoor Burning
Outside city limits you may burn residential yard waste, but during closed fire season (May 10-Oct 20) a free Idaho burn permit is required from burnpermits.idaho.gov, and you must burn only during green air-quality days. No permits for garbage, plastics, tires or construction/trade waste.
Open Burning Rules in Kootenai County, Idaho
Some RestrictionsKootenai County Fire & Rescue - Residential Yard Waste Burning Rules
Burning must be conducted during DAYLIGHT HOURS ONLY. All fires must be completely out by dark. All fires shall be a minimum of 25' from any structure (includes trees and fences). All fires must be attended at all times. Attendant must have a hose connected to a water supply, and/or a shovel on scene at all times.
Wildfire Zones
Major subdivisions in timbered parts of unincorporated Kootenai County cannot get final plat approval without a wildfire mitigation plan. Land Use and Development Code section 8.6.206(A)(7) requires a professional forester to prepare and certify the plan, which must satisfy the standards in section 8.6.901 and win approval from both Kootenai County Community Development and the fire protection district with jurisdiction, or the Idaho Department of Lands.
Wildfire Mitigation Plans in Kootenai County
Significant RestrictionsKootenai County LUDC 8.6.206(A)(7)
7. For major subdivisions in timbered areas, a wildfire mitigation plan, prepared by a professional forester, and certification from the forester that the plan has been implemented. The plan must meet the requirements of section 8.6.901 of this chapter, and must be approved by the director and the fire protection district with jurisdiction, or the Idaho department of lands, as appropriate.
Smoke Detectors
Kootenai County builds to the 2009 International Residential Code, which requires smoke alarms in each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every level. New homes must also have carbon monoxide alarms near sleeping areas. Rules are enforced at construction.
Smoke Detector Requirements in Kootenai County
Some RestrictionsKootenai County Code 7-1-7(B) (Ordinance No. 450)
THE 2009 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE, INCLUDING APPENDIX G, as published by the International Code Council... Kootenai County hereby adopts the following construction codes, standards and requirements, except as amended by this chapter.
Propane Storage
Kootenai County adopts the 2009 International Fuel Gas Code and the state-approved International Fire Code, which govern propane (LP-gas) tanks and appliances under NFPA 58. LP-gas containers may not be used in basements or pits where heavier-than-air gas can collect.
Propane and LP-Gas Storage Rules in Kootenai County
Some RestrictionsKootenai County Code 7-1-7(E), (H) (Ordinance No. 450)
THE 2009 INTERNATIONAL FUEL GAS CODE, as published by the International Code Council... THE 2009 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE, as published by the International Code Council and as adopted, amended, and approved by the State of Idaho and the Idaho State Fire Marshal.
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