BOISE, ID — The Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) announced that the state’s closed fire season will end on Monday, October 20. The five-month period, running annually from May 10 through October 20, requires residents outside city limits to obtain a state burn permit before burning any materials.

Although burn permits will no longer be legally required after the season closes, IDL officials urge residents to continue using caution when burning yard debris or having campfires.

“While we will no longer be in closed fire season, there is still a risk of fire,” said IDL Fire Management Chief Josh Harvey. “We all need to do our part, using common sense and caution when burning yard waste, slash, or having a campfire when hunting.”

Harvey emphasized that anyone who starts a fire is responsible for it until it is completely out. Individuals may be held liable for damages and suppression costs if a fire escapes control.

IDL recommends several precautions when burning: clear flammable materials within ten feet of the pile, keep water and tools nearby, and never leave a fire unattended. Burning should be postponed if winds are high or vegetation is dry.

Permits for debris burning are free and available year-round through IDL’s online system at burnpermits.idaho.gov. Crop residue burning permits are managed by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality at deq.idaho.gov.

IDL Fire, in coordination with two Timber Protection Associations and local partners, manages suppression and prevention efforts on 9.6 million acres of state and private forest and rangeland across Idaho.

More fire prevention information and safety guidelines can be found at idl.idaho.gov/fire-management.