Author: Hauser Lake FPD

Fire protection district in Hauser, Idaho.

Burn Permits and Restrictions

Questions and answers about fires and burning in Hauser Lake.

By Chief Simms

When do I need a burning permit?

Permits for burning are required during the Idaho Closed Burning Season which is usually from May 10 through October 20. Recreational fires do not require a permit but can be no larger than 3 feet in diameter and no more than 2 foot high in fuel. Outside of that time frame, as long as there is not a Burn Ban in effect, no permit is needed. Please note that the State of Idaho sometimes does extend the permit season beyond those dates, so this can change from time to time.

Click here for a press release from the Idaho Department of Lands (IDOL) about burn permit requirements.

Where can I get a permit?

Permits, when required, for hand stacked yard waste may be obtained online or at the fire station.

This the ‘self service’ online burn permit (and renewal) available as long as burning is allowed, for free, through the IDOL: burnpermits.idaho.gov

It is important that the permit holder has a permit in possession when they are burning. If you have trouble with the link, you can also still fill out a paper form, found in the white cabinet in the front of the Hauser Lake Fire Station.

All other types of permits (slash, machine stacked slash, etc.) need to be obtained from the Idaho Department of Lands, 3258 West Industrial Loop, Coeur d’Alene.

What if no one is at the fire station to issue a permit?

Please fill out the form in the white box/cabinet at the front of the fire station. Fill out two copies, one to take with you and one to leave in the box. You can also use the online link shown above to obtain a permit.

What does a permit cost?

Permits in the Hauser Lake Fire District are issued at no cost.

Will the fire department still come out if I am burning with a permit?

Even if you have a permit the fire department may still respond if called. If there is a complaint due to smoke from your fire we may have to extinguish the fire even if you have a permit.

When is burning banned?

When weather conditions dictate burning may be banned, which means no open flames of any kind. Watch for Burn Ban signs as you drive into the area for a ban notice.

Are there any other restrictions?

Yes!

  • The only items you can burn are wood and paper products;
  • you must call the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality at 208-666-4609 or visit their website;
  • you must have shovel and water on hand;
  • and you must be the property owner.

November 5 Election

Two of the three Hauser Lake Fire Protection District commissioners are up for election this fall and one, Lisa Wendle, will not be running again. Lisa is from the southernmost sub-district in Hauser Lake and Wes Michael, also up for election, is from the eastern sub-district. Please see the map on our page titled “Sub-Districts and Commissioners.”

Candidates for the Board of Commissioners must live in the respective sub-district, though elections are district-wide. Commissioners serve four-year terms.

Candidate packets are available from the Kootenai County website at kc.gov or by request from the fire chief or clerk. You can also request the packet by email from admin [at] hauserfire.org.

The first and most important deadline is September 5 at 5 pm. This is the date and time by which candidates must file their first forms with the local fire district clerk. Only the original forms can be accepted, not photocopies, and they must be turned in in-person, not by fax or electronic means.

2019 Elections

This page may be helpful to voters and to those considering a run for public office. Commissioners of the Hauser Lake Fire Protection District are elected in November elections which are held on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November.

This election calendar is pulled from within the 2019 Consolidated Election Manual issued by the Idaho Secretary of State. It shows important deadlines for candidates and voters.

For forms such as the Declaration/Petition and voter registration forms–among others–please open the Consolidated Election Manual linked above, or call the Hauser Lake VFD: 208-773-1174.

2019 local election calendar

Support Hauser Fire when you shop at Amazon!

Turn your every day shopping into a force for good. Shop at smile.amazon.com/ch/82-0473450 and Amazon donates to Hauser Lake Fire Auxiliary.

Whenever you shop on Amazon, simply start by going to that link above first. Nothing looks different or acts different, but a small portion of your purchase will be donated to the Hauser Lake Fire Auxiliary, which ultimately supports YOUR local first responders in Hauser Lake!

Volunteer Opportunities

If you live in the Hauser Lake area, we encourage you to volunteer!

Hauser Lake Fire District map
Boundaries of the Hauser Lake Fire Protection District.

If you live in the Hauser Lake area, we encourage you to volunteer! Volunteers can help in whatever capacity they are comfortable. If you are in good physical condition, can dedicate the time, and like to work with cool tools, you can volunteer as a firefighter and/or EMT.

If you don’t feel comfortable with that, have a bit less time, or are not physically able to be a full firefighter, we can still use your help and support. We have an Auxiliary that supports members during incidents and trainings and takes on various projects. We can also utilize someone who may have a particular expertise or would simply want to help out with maintenance, administrative, fire prevention or other functions.

If you’re not interested in being a firefighter or EMT, the Hauser Lake Fire Auxiliary might be a great way for you to still help out and support the fire department. The Fire Auxiliary hosts our open house, helps with various projects around the station, and supports the firefighters during a fire by providing food and drinks to the firefighters.

If any of these avenues sound like something you would like to do, please contact us at the fire station for more information or just stop by for a chat with the Chief who is at the station most weekdays from 7 am to 4 pm.