Open burning banned in CDA area

Open burning is now banned in the city of Coeur d’Alene and the Mica Kidd Island Fire Protection District. As of yesterday no new burn permits will be issued. Fire danger rose to high throughout the region, according to Glenn Lauper, Coeur d’Alene Fire Department deputy chief. Open burning means a bonfire, slash pile or anything else outside, and not in a fireplace, incinerator, grill or other device. Recreational fires and portable fireplaces are still allowed, as long as there are fire supression tools at hand. The ban come on the heels of Saturday’s Tubbs Hill fire, which appears to have been caused by people, Lauper said. The Coeur d’Alene fire department and police are investigating.