Public access, campfire restrictions lifted in Idaho Panhandle

Many areas of state and federal forestland in the Idaho Panhandle will reopen to public access Wednesday, and campfires will again be allowed. “The weather has finally brought some rain and cooler temperatures, which means fires are less likely to spread aggressively,” said Mary Farnsworth, Idaho Panhandle National Forests’ supervisor. “Under these conditions fires are more manageable and we are able to reduce the size of emergency closure areas while still providing an adequate buffer for public safety.” Weekend showers dropped between one to three inches of rain on the forest. However, areas around active fires will remain closed, and people should check the Idaho Panhandle National Forests’ website for the most current information: www.fs.usda.gov/IPNF. Forest visitors need to be aware of their proximity to the wildfires and previously burned areas, where potential hazards include falling trees, unstable soils and burned stump holes. Farnsworth said that travelers on Forest Service roads should be alert for firefighter traffic and heavy equipment working in the area. People who build campfires should make sure they are cool to the touch when extinguished, otherwise they could flare to life during the warm fall days, officials said. Campfires will continue to be prohibited in the Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s wildlife management areas in the Clearwater Region.