County buys burn ban signs to remind public of ordinance

By: 
Steve Lyon

Washington County residents will know when the annual burn ban is in effect when some new signs are placed around the county.
 The Washington County Sheriff’s Office purchased 10 burn ban signs made at the prison. The signs will be permanently installed in select locations. They can be folded down during the winter or when a burn ban is not in effect.
 Sheriff Matt Thomas told county commissioners last week that he is working with the county road and bridge department to find the best locations for the signs. Some possible spots are around Crane Creek and above Mann Creek Reservoir and areas where people have campfires.
 “It’s a good idea to remind people about the danger of fires,” commissioner Kirk Chandler said.
 They will likely be placed next spring. The burn ban season is just about over for this year. It has not been canceled yet in the county and typically stays in place until mid-October.
 The county commission beefed up the burn ban last year with an ordinance that gives law enforcement the authority to give people a citation. Prior to passage of the ordinance, the county’s annual burn ban was voluntary with no enforcement power.
 The ordinance also contains language that anyone who starts a fire during the burn ban can be held liable for the cost of putting out a fire or damages.
 The county ordinance does not include public land managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The Payette National Forest sets its own fire restrictions. It covers fire districts in the county but would not have any impact on incorporated cities, such as Weiser, Midvale and Cambridge, which are not subject to the county’s jursidiction.
 Also exempt are agricultural controlled burns, which are permitted through the state. Commercial fireworks permitted by Idaho code are exempt.
 

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