<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40">
<head>
<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=us-ascii">
<meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)">
<!--[if !mso]><style>v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style><![endif]--><style><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Open Sans";}
@font-face
{font-family:"Segoe UI";
panose-1:2 11 5 2 4 2 4 2 2 3;}
/* Style Definitions */
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:#0563C1;
text-decoration:underline;}
p.MsoNoSpacing, li.MsoNoSpacing, div.MsoNoSpacing
{mso-style-priority:1;
margin:0in;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
span.EmailStyle17
{mso-style-type:personal-compose;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
color:windowtext;}
span.eop
{mso-style-name:eop;}
span.normaltextrun
{mso-style-name:normaltextrun;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
--></style><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026" />
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1" />
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]-->
</head>
<body lang="EN-US" link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style="word-wrap:break-word">
<div class="WordSection1">
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><img width="624" height="147" style="width:6.5in;height:1.5277in" id="_x0000_i1025" src="cid:image001.png@01D774C3.DAB88710"></span><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">July 9, 2021<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><u><span style="font-size:22.0pt;font-family:"Open Sans"">Gov. Little mobilizes Idaho National Guard firefighters<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" align="center" style="text-align:center"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Open Sans"">Fire managers expected to implement fire restrictions in the coming days<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Boise, Idaho – Amid extreme drought, excessive heat, multiple fire starts, and dwindling firefighting resources regionwide, Governor Brad Little issued an emergency declaration for wildfire today
and mobilized Idaho National Guard firefighters and aircraft to assist in the effort.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">“Wildfire is presenting an imminent threat to life, property, and the environment, and we need all hands on deck. I appreciate our firefighters and fire managers for working
so hard under such challenging conditions, and I am grateful that our guardsmen are able to step in once again to support Idaho communities,” Governor Little said. “I want to thank Idahoans for doing their part to prevent wildfires during a season where Idaho
is particularly vulnerable to human-caused wildfires.”</span></span><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">North Idaho is experiencing multiple wildfires resulting from dry lightning events. Extreme fire conditions are now at an all-time maximum or exceeding all-time maximum levels, and weather forecasts<span style="color:red">
</span>indicate no break in fire weather conditions in the weeks ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Fire suppression resources available to respond to ongoing wildfires or new wildfire ignitions are significantly diminished in the region because of the number of significant fires burning in the
West.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">It is the first time the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) has requested the Governor issue an emergency declaration to make Idaho National Guard resources available for fighting wildfire on the 6.2
million acres of land across mostly North Idaho where IDL provides fire protection. The Governor’s emergency declaration authorizes National Guard personnel with fire line qualifications to work on active wildfires and for other personnel to support fire logistic
activities. In addition, the Governor’s emergency declaration makes National Guard aircraft resources available.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">In anticipation of the emergency declaration, the IDL has been working with the Idaho Office of Emergency Management to begin the process of activating National Guard resources for fire suppression
and logistics support.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">In 2020 and in the spring of 2021, in preparation for severe fire conditions like Idaho now faces, the IDL provided wildland firefighter training to National Guard personnel, a phenomenal collaboration
between agencies. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">In addition, the IDL has requested its own agency personnel – anyone with fire line qualifications –
<span style="color:black">to make themselves available for fire </span>assignments.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">FIRE RESTRICTIONS EXPECTED IN COMING DAYS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Fire managers are expected to announce in the coming days that parts of Idaho will enter Stage 1 and Stage 2 fire restrictions. More than 80-percent of the nation’s fires are started by people, not
lightning.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="normaltextrun"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="normaltextrun"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">What are fire restrictions?</span></b></span><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""> Fire restrictions are meant to prevent human-caused
wildfires. There are Stage 1 and Stage 2 restrictions, with specific prohibited activities for each listed below. Restrictions can be declared in a portion of the state, or in multiple areas by local authorities.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="normaltextrun"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="normaltextrun"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Who can declare fire restrictions?
</span></b></span><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Fire restrictions can be implemented on state, federal, Tribal Trust and private lands under applicable federal and state laws. These laws grant the respective agencies the
general authority to protect lands entrusted in their care by restricting use or closing areas to entry for protection of life and safety of public.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="normaltextrun"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Why are fire restrictions done locally rather than for the entire state?
</span></b></span><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Local agencies follow established, statewide-approved guidelines for implementing fire restrictions in their geographic areas. There are eight main fire restriction zones in
Idaho, with additional fire restriction areas within those zones. Area representatives use their hyper-local expertise and specific, objective criteria to determine if restrictions are needed.
</span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">The local decision-making approach is critical for determining the right place and the right time for fire restrictions. One zone’s determination for restrictions may
not be appropriate statewide.</span></span><span class="normaltextrun"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="normaltextrun"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">What is prohibited during Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="normaltextrun"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire or stove fire except within
<a name="_Hlk76569062">a designated recreation site. If you live within a city limit or incorporated area, follow local direction. If you own land outside city limits or incorporated area you may have a campfire on your own land but only within a fire structure.</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a designated recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared
of all flammable materials.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="normaltextrun"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="normaltextrun"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">What is prohibited during Stage 2 Fire Restrictions<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="normaltextrun"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire (wood or gas fueled), or stove fire<b>.</b><span style="color:red">
</span>Campfires are not allowed anywhere when under a Stage 2 restriction.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Smoking</span></span><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">
</span><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a designated recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">The following acts are prohibited from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. during Stage 2 Fire Restrictions:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Operating a chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine for felling, bucking, skidding, processing, road building and woodcutting during industrial
operations or firewood gathering.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Blasting, welding, or other activities that generate flame or flammable material.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Using an explosive.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">A patrol is required for one hour (three hours for anyone engaged in a Forest Operation requiring a Certificate of Compliance) following cessation of all work as described
above.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">The latest recorded information on fire restrictions is available by calling 1-844-ID-FIRES or 1-844-433-4737. For specifics on exemptions, frequently asked questions,
and more, please refer to the </span></span><a href="https://www.idl.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/04/2021-Idaho-Fire-Restrictions-Plan-Final.pdf"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Idaho Fire Restrictions Plan.</span></a><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">
</span><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Find out more about fire restrictions at
</span></span><a href="http://www.idl.idaho.gov"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">www.idl.idaho.gov</span></a><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""># # #</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison, Press Secretary<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">208-943-1686 or </span>
<a href="mailto:marissa.morrison@gov.idaho.gov"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">marissa.morrison@gov.idaho.gov</span></a><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">--<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001jPcDrZTUF2iffZAaFR5CaCO9D9OTNmcIrS9m2JnRBQLxSmCCDvAfzkhQC6WRNcW4O6931CUyPvAzTSP21AiJ4rioUvabaHbWJxzuwF2hEYM%3D#_blank"><i><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Sign up
to receive news from Governor Little</span></i></a><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe</span></i><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</body>
</html>