Don’t be ‘That Spark’ This July 4th

Release Date: Jun 26, 2024

Leave Fireworks at Home, Stay Smart With Campfires, Firearms, & Engines

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, the Idaho Panhandle National Forests would like to remind visitors that the possession or use of fireworks is always prohibited on National Forests, regardless of weather conditions or county fireworks rules. Exploding targets and other pyrotechnic devices, such as Tannerite, are also prohibited on National Forests. It only takes one spark to start a wildfire.

Here are a few other tips:

CAMPFIRES

Check that campfires are allowed and establish a fire break cleared of burnable material. Keep campfires attended—when going to sleep or leaving camp, ensure your campfire is dead out. Use the “drown, stir, and feel” method: Completely drown your campfire with water; using your shovel, stir the campfire to mix in the water; feel for heat with the back of your hand. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.

MOTOR VEHICLES

Ensure wheel bearings and brakes are in good condition. Poorly lubricated bearings and stuck brakes can get hot enough to ignite wildfires. Avoid parking or idling in tall vegetation, and if towing a trailer, ensure that all chains are attached and will not contact the ground. Ensure all combustion engines are equipped with a spark arrestor.

FOOD STORAGE

When visiting the Priest Lake, Bonners Ferry, or Sandpoint Ranger Districts, remember to store food in hard-sided vehicles or bear-proof containers. The three northern ranger districts all have a food storage requirement in place. For more information, read the Food Storage Order.

LEAVE NO TRACE

Finally, remember to pack out your garbage and clean up your site before you leave. This allows the next visitor to enjoy the same experience as you!