Starting May 10, everyone must get a fire burn permit from the Idaho Department on Lands (IDL) before debris burning activities. Closed fire season takes place annually between May 10 and extends through October 20.
With COVID-19, the burn permit is essential to protect firefighters from false alarms and to allow crews to respond only when needed. Having a burn permit on record means fire managers can react more quickly to fires that escape. The permit can also reduce the liability of the owner if their fire escapes.
The burn permit is free and valid for ten days after it is issued. You can get one online here or by calling an IDL office. Permits issued through the self-service website are available seven days a week and are immediately issued and valid. Permits are not required for recreational campfires.
Burn permits will not be issued in districts where local burn bans are in effect. If there are other burning restrictions in effect or additional or alternate permits required, the burn permit website will provide instructions on how to contact those entities.
Information on burn restrictions based on air quality can be found by calling the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality at (800) 633-6247 or by visiting the Idaho DEQ website.
State burn permits may be issued in person; however, the lobbies of IDL offices are currently closed to the public due to COVID-19. Individual meetings may be scheduled by calling the office and customers are asked to wear face masks during the meeting. The public is highly encouraged to obtain a permit by phone or through the IDL burn permit website to lessen exposure.
During the closed fire season, Idaho law requires any person planning to burn outside city limits within Idaho, including crop residue burning, obtain a state fire burn permit.
