Idaho Statewide Rule
Idaho Closed Fire Season and Burn Permit Requirements
Key Facts
- Closed Season
- May 10-Oct 20
- Statute
- Idaho Code 38-115
- Permit Cost
- Free
- Banned Materials
- Garbage, tires, treated wood
Summary
Idaho Department of Lands declares an annual closed fire season requiring burn permits for any outdoor burning on protected lands, with criminal liability for fires that escape control.
The period from May 10 to October 20, inclusive, of each year shall be known as the closed season. During the closed season it shall be unlawful for any person to set or cause to be set a fire in any slashing area, or a fire to any stump or stumps, log or logs, down or standing timber or to set or cause to be set, a fire on any forest or range lands or dangerously near thereto, or in any field in any forest protective district, without having first procured a permit from the fire warden of the district, provided, that unless campfires have been prohibited during critical hazard periods, campfires may be set without permit provided there is compliance with the provisions of section 38-116, Idaho Code.
Full Breakdown
Idaho Code 38-115 establishes the closed fire season, typically May 10 through October 20, during which no person may set or maintain a fire on or dangerously near forest, brush, range, grain, grass, or stubble lands in a forest protection district without a free permit from the fire warden (Idaho Department of Lands). Burn permits are free and valid for a limited period. Allowing a fire to escape or spread can carry criminal liability and restitution for suppression costs. The Department of Environmental Quality separately bans open burning of household garbage, tires, plastics, and treated wood under air quality rules. Counties may impose stricter restrictions but cannot waive the state permit obligation.
Violations & Penalties
Setting a fire during the closed season without the required permit is unlawful under Idaho Code 38-115; an escaped fire can bring restitution for suppression costs and additional criminal charges if structures are damaged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a burn permit in Idaho?
Can I burn trash in my yard in Idaho?
Sources
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