Kootenai County, ID Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Kootenai County, ID, also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance, set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Key Facts
- Closed fire season
- May 10 - October 20
- Permit source
- burnpermits.idaho.gov (free, 10 days)
- Timing
- Daylight only, out by dark
- Distance
- 25 ft from any structure
- Air quality
- Burn only on green days
Summary
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.
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.
Full Breakdown
Idaho Code 38-115 imposes a closed fire season from May 10 through October 20 when anyone outside city limits burning yard waste or crop residue must first get a free 10-day burn permit at burnpermits.idaho.gov. Kootenai County Fire & Rescue adds that yard-waste burning must be during DAYLIGHT HOURS ONLY, attended at all times with a hose or shovel on scene, and at least 25 feet from any structure (including trees and fences). Idaho DEQ prohibits burning garbage, plastics, tires, treated wood, and any trade/construction waste (IDAPA 58.01.01); burn only when DEQ air quality is 'green.'
Violations & Fines
Burning without a required permit or during a burn ban violates Idaho fire and air-quality law and can trigger fire-district enforcement plus liability for suppression costs of any escaped fire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to burn yard waste?
Can I burn trash or construction debris?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kootenai County
How Kootenai County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Kootenai County to another location·View the Idaho fire regulations overview
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