Fire danger remains high across the region despite end of holiday
Kaelyn Blessinger
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Throughout the Independence Day weekend, firefighters were called out to multiple fires across the Bonneville County area. Even though the holiday has officially concluded, fire officials warn that the danger is far from over.
This year has been unusually hot and dry when shooting off fireworks. IFFD reports its crews were called out to six grass fires on July 3 alone, followed by a steady stream of small brush fires during and after the Fourth of July celebrations.
“People still have leftover fireworks that they want to use, so the risk is just as high, if not higher,” said IFFD Chief Johan Olsen. “We set up additional resources on and around the Fourth alongside our neighboring agencies. Now, we’re back to status quo staffing. Whenever we have these conditions, the likelihood of having multiple fires at the same time increases.”
The sheer volume of calls over the weekend pushed local resources to their limits. Olsen says if it weren’t for the teamwork of multiple nearby departments, local firefighters could have been swamped, and resources would have run low.
While the holiday is over, the IFFD is urging the community to remain highly vigilant as the dry season continues.
“I’d like to give just a plea for help from the community to to do their part and help the emergency providers and firefighters to be able to have to be able to work within their bandwidth,” Chief Olsen pleads. “Just be careful. Recognize that the conditions are the way they are. And ultimately, we don’t want anybody to end up in that situation where they’re having to be held accountable for property loss or, heaven forbid, loss of life.”
Residents are encouraged to check local fire regulations and guidelines. For more information on burn restrictions and fire safety in your area, click HERE.