EBS STAFF
Madison County, which includes the Rexburg and Idaho Falls area near the Wyoming border and Yellowstone region, announced July 14 that the county commission imposed a temporary open fire ban across all unincorporated areas of the county, effective July 15 through Sept. 30. They cited extreme wildfire danger and dry conditions that already sparked the Maze Fire on July 6 north of Rexburg.
“This summer’s burn ban is stricter than previous years,” said the Madison Fire Department in a social media post. “We have had much higher fire activity and rapid fire spread since early spring this year, including two large multi-day brush fires.”
The ordinance prohibits campfires, warming fires, fireworks, tracer ammunition, welding, model rockets and burning of trash or debris and violations are punishable by a fine of up to $300 and civil liability for fire containment costs and damages, according to documentation provided by the county commission.
