The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 10, in coordination with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of the Fort Hall Reservation, has issued a ban on all outdoor open burning on the Fort Hall Reservation in Idaho. This ban is to protect air quality impacted by wildfire smoke from regional fires and is in effect until further notice.
The burn ban applies to all outdoor and agricultural burning (including camping and recreational fires) in all areas within external reservation boundaries regardless of ownership or tribal membership. Ceremonial and traditional fires are exempt from the burn ban.
EPA requests that reservation residents reduce all sources of air pollution as much as possible, including fireworks, driving, and idling of vehicles because air pollution has harmful health effects that can persist. Community cooperation with the air quality burn ban will help people who are most at risk.
Many people are at high risk from smoke: children, the elderly, pregnant women, people with asthma or difficulty breathing. Those with diabetes, heart problems, or otherwise compromised health are also at risk. As much as possible, these people should avoid outdoor exercise and minimize exposure to outdoor pollution. Under the most severe pollution levels all residents should restrict their activities.
To check conditions in your area, go to the AirNow Fire and Smoke map: fire.airnow.gov.
For current burn ban status on tribal lands, call EPA’s FARR Hotline at 800-424-4372 or visit www.epa.gov/farr/burn-bans-indian-reservations-id-or-and-wa#current-bans.
For burning restrictions or health advisories in areas outside reservation boundaries, contact your local clean air agency, fire department, or check the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality’s Smoke Blog: oregonsmoke.blogspot.com.
Find more resources to prepare and help protect your health during wildfire smoke events at: www.epa.gov/smoke-ready-toolbox-wildfires.
EPA’s Region 10 serves communities in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and 271 Tribal Nations. Learn more about EPA’s work in the Pacific Northwest at: www.epa.gov/epa-region-10-pacific-northwest.
