Fire agencies to stop open burning
Fire agencies in Kootenai County have put a stop to open burning because of hot weather and high fire danger.
No new burn permits will be issued, but residents with current permits may still burn through Friday, according to the agencies. The ban applies to slash piles and open burning of yard waste.
“We are seeing fires get quickly out of hand due to the extremely dry conditions,” said Jim Lyon, information officer for the Kootenai County Fire and Rescue District in Post Falls.
“Lots and lots of grass fires. We’ve had some open burns that have gotten away from folks,” Lyon said.
Kootenai County Fire and Rescue covers 113 square miles of land in the county.
The Northern Lakes Fire District, covering the Rathdrum and Hayden areas, and the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department also have stopped issuing burn permits.
With a current permit, use of approved burn barrels may still be used, Lyonsaid. Recreation and camp fires are still allowed, too.
– Scott Maben
Ponderay, Idaho
Man hits two children along road with truck
A 78-year-old man is in the Bonner County Jail on a reckless driving charge after he struck two children with his 1974 Jeep truck in Ponderay on Tuesday afternoon.
Harold Ulen was driving westbound on Triangle Drive when he swerved to the right while negotiating a curve, hitting two children who were walking alongside the road with a group of people, according to the Idaho State Police.
The age and condition of the children have not been released.
Ulen, who was not injured, was arraigned Wednesday afternoon.
His bail was set at $300.
– Meghann M. Cuniff
Kootenai County
Group to discuss preserving district
The Mica Kidd Island Property Owners Association is will hold its annual membership meeting Tuesday and will discuss ways to preserve the rural area south of Coeur d’Alene.
The nonprofit group also will elect three of its six board members. The association is a coalition of property owners in the Mica Kidd Island Fire Protection District. Its members keep tabs on all development in the area that might change the character of the large fields, small farms and waterfront homes.
Association President Chris Shelton said in a press release that it’s imperative for the group to have a “unified voice that represents the desires of the community.”
The meeting, at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, will be held at the Mica Flats Grange Hall, 7465 W. Kidd Island Road. For more information, call (208) 444-0033 or e-mail mkipoa@verizon.net.
– Erica Curless