(Eastern Idaho Interagency Fire Center press release) IDAHO FALLS, Idaho – The Eastern Idaho Interagency Fire Center’s fire managers have increased the area’s lowlands’ and adjacent mountains’ fire hazard ratings to extremely high and high, respectively.
“The plentiful wildland fuels are primed and prepared for ignite after a month of hot, dry weather and little precipitation. “The recent Moose fire and East Gap fire near Salmon, Idaho, provided evidence of this,” said Martell Gibbons, a fire management officer for the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.
Long-term forecasts predict that the region will continue to be hot and dry. On Thursday, July 28, dry thunderstorms are expected to pose a lightning risk.
The upper elevations may appear to be more green than the lowlands, but this should not mislead tourists.
It wouldn’t take much for a fire to start and spread across the landscape due to the low fuel moisture levels in the dead and downed timber.
Fire managers advise that you take care to completely put out your campfire in order to aid in the suppression of wildfires.
Never leave a campfire alone, and make sure it is chilly to the touch. To ensure that your fire is completely out, allow adequate time in your leaving timetable.
Verify that your equipment is operating correctly. Check tyre pressure and look for dragging chains on trailers before you leave to avoid sparks that could start a dangerous wildfire.
High fire danger indicates that fires spread quickly and easily.
Campfires left alone are prone to burn out. High levels of fine continuous fuel, such as mature grassland and forest litter, can cause intense fires in those places.
These fires might intensify and be exceedingly challenging to put out.
Put fire safety first when enjoying your public lands to help out.
When outdoors, always bring a shovel, water, and fire extinguisher.
