Department of
Environmental Quality

Burning restrictions are contained in the Rules for the Control of Air Pollution in Idaho (Sections 600-623) and are applicable statewide. Follow these guidelines:

Maybe—Check First

The following burning activities are allowed only under specified conditions. Contact the DEQ Regional Office nearest you for more information.

• Recreational and warming fires
• Weed control along fence lines and ditches
• Fire training
• Residential solid waste burning
• Orchard fires
• Prescribed burning
• Crop residue burning

Prohibited

Burning of the following processed or manufactured materials is prohibited. (Certain exemptions may apply.)

• Garbage from food preparation
• Dead animals or animal waste
• Junk motor vehicles or parts
• Tires or other rubber materials
• Plastics
• Asphaltic materials
• Tar and petroleum materials
• Paints
• Preservative-treated wood
• Trade waste (commercial, industrial, or construction waste)
• Insulated wire
• Pathogenic waste

Additional Burn Restrictions

DEQ may issue health advisories and burn restrictions based on weather and air quality conditions. Notices are generally issued in the morning, but may be issued other times as needed. Notices are announced through the media (internet, radio, television, newspapers).

Be aware that local ordinances may further restrict or prohibit open burning. Always check with your local fire protection service to find out if burn restrictions are in effect or permits are required due to fire danger. Note that DEQ does not issue burn permits. If you live within the exterior boundaries of an Indian reservation, check with the tribal air quality or fire protection offices.

To find out about air quality conditions or any DEQ-issued burn restrictions in your area, visit DEQ's Daily Air Quality Reports webpage or call:

• Kootenai County: (800) 633-6247
• Lewiston Region: 1-855-401-4636
• Pocatello/Chubbuck: (208) 236-6173
• Greater Sandpoint: (800) 633-6247
• Silver Valley: (800) 633-6247
• Treasure Valley: (208) 373-0313

^New! Idaho Fire Safety Burn Permits

Individuals living outside city limits anywhere in Idaho who plan to burn for any reason – including crop residue burning and excluding recreational campfires – during “closed fire season,” from May 10 to October 20 every year, must obtain a fire safety burn permit.

If you live inside city limits and you plan to burn, a permit from your local fire department may be required.

Fire safety burn permits can be obtained online with the new online statewide self service fire safety burn permit system at BurnPermits.Idaho.Gov. For additional information about this permit, select the FAQ at the top of the page.

Burn Bans

A burn ban is a voluntary or mandatory order that restricts outdoor burning and the use of wood stoves and fireplaces when an area's air quality is degraded and human health may be adversely impacted.

Who can issue a burn ban?

Under Sections 550-562 of the Rules for the Control of Air Pollution in Idaho, known as the Air Pollution Emergency Rule, DEQ may issue health advisories and burn restrictions based on weather and air quality conditions. Notices are generally issued in the morning, but may be issued other times as needed. Notices are announced through the media (Internet, radio, television, newspapers).

Local ordinances may further restrict or prohibit open burning. Contact the nearest DEQ Regional Office for regulations applicable to your area. Always check with your local fire protection service to find out if burn restrictions are in effect or permits are required due to fire danger. Note that DEQ does not issue burn permits. If you live within the exterior boundaries of an Indian reservation, check with the tribal air quality or fire protection offices.

When does DEQ issue burn bans?

Each day, DEQ measures the volume of certain air pollutants throughout the state. DEQ may issue a burn ban when concentrations of these air pollutants reach or exceed the health-based standards or limits established by state law or regulation. High concentrations of air pollution can harm public health and the environment. Carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and other pollutants can cause breathing difficulty, aggravate existing health conditions, and result in permanent lung damage.

How can I find out if a burn ban has been issued in my area?

• Tune in to the news on your local radio or television station to find out if a burn ban has been issued. DEQ issues a news bulletin to local news media, law enforcement, and fire officials whenever a burn ban is issued.
• Log on to DEQ's Daily Air Quality Reports and Forecasts webpage where local air quality monitoring data is updated and posted daily. It's a good idea to check the air quality each day, especially if you suffer from respiratory ailments.
• Contact your nearest DEQ Regional Office.