COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho - Cooler temperatures and a forecast of significant rain will provide Bureau of Land Management (BLM) fire personnel the optimal conditions for burning slash piles remaining from salvage logging operations over the next several weeks across northern Idaho.
As early as the week of Oct. 25, visitors and adjacent landowners in the Mineral Ridge, Blue Creek Bay and Gamlin Lake areas may see smoke in the area. Residual smoke can also be expected following initial ignition as debris can take several days to burn. The BLM asks visitors to these sites to avoid going near smoldering slash piles.
Access may also be limited to these recreation areas so that fire personnel can safely conduct operations.
Residual slash piles resulting from logging operations are typically left for several months to cure out, allowing the material to burn more thoroughly.
For additional information, please contact Suzanne Endsley, public affairs, at 208-769-5004.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
