Idaho Falls Fire Department responded to two field fires this week. This came after state officials requested locals refrain from nonessential burning activities, the department stated in a Facebook post on Wednesday.
The post, which Eastern Idaho Public Health shared on Thursday, stated COVID-19 can “cause asthma attacks and possibly lead to pneumonia and acute respiratory distress.” EIPH stated smoke in addition to asthma and the coronavirus can lead to “deadly outcomes.”
IFFD stated that the notice is not a burn ban, but a “request for voluntary compliance” to aid in responding to COVID-19. For more information, visit the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality COVID-19 response page.
Lex Miller can be reached at [email protected]
Cindy
Hi. I worked in local law enforcement and every morning the EPA would call in to dispatch if they planned a ban on burning. Those with burn permits also need to call to inform us of their permits and whatAnd where the plane to burn. This was to not be sending the FD out as they are confirmed burns. Those who burn do need a permit. So if it was a banned day we denied the burn. I’d contact the EPA they’re who’s not stopping the burning. Local officials seem a bit out of touch as to exactly how controlled burning actually is controlled.