PAYETTE, Idaho — Poor air quality conditions pushed the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality to issue a burn ban earlier this year in several counties — including Payette County, which experienced extremely dry conditions in the summertime.
With the burn bans lifting as of Aug. 12, the Payette Fire Department (PFD) has shared a reminder about safe burn practices.
According to PFD, "the lifting of the burn ban does not eliminate the risks associated with outdoor burning."
The department shared information regarding a controlled burn that spread on Friday, forcing multiple fire departments to respond, as an example for taking precautions.
PFD provided the following safety tips to prevent uncontrolled blazes:
- Never leave a controlled burn unattended
- Ensure you have the proper equipment and enough water available to control the fire
- Check weather conditions before burning, especially wind
- Keep fires a safe distance from buildings, vehicles, tires, and other combustible materials
- Maker sure your fire is completely extinguished before leaving the area
