Fire Danger Prompts New Restrictions

Sun., Aug. 20, 2000

From Staff Reports

Firefighters are making progress in the Idaho Panhandle forests, though the region’s largest fire grew Saturday.

The fire, about 40 miles northeast of Bonners Ferry, was expected to grow through today, from 1,500 to 1,800 acres.

But unstaffed fires were diminishing overall, said Bruce Fahrni, spokesman for the North Idaho Interagency Fire Prevention and Information Center.

“A few have actually burned themselves out, but mainly we’re staffing them and getting them controlled,” Fahrni said. “The cooler temperatures and higher humidities have helped.”

Fire danger prompted a new round of restrictions, according to the North Idaho Interagency Fire Prevention and Information Center.

Campers on state, federal or private lands are limited to using stoves fueled by liquid petroleum or propane, and muzzle loaders and black-powder firearms can’t be discharged on those properties.

Motorized vehicles are restricted to roads displayed as open routes on maps issued by land management agencies.

All personal-use firewood permits from the Panhandle National Forest are suspended as well.

People who violate the restrictions, which went into effect at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, could face substantial fines and prison time, according to the fire center.

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