Closure Order, Public Help Needed
Incident: Trinity Ridge Fire Wildfire
Released: 9/17/2012
Public Help Needed with Trinity Ridge Fire Closure Compliance
BOISE, Idaho - Field personnel involved with the Trinity Ridge Fire are observing non-compliance with the recently changed and reduced closure area, which with continued non-compliance may lead to a closure of the roads recently opened.
The new revised closure order issued last week allows for only through traffic on certain roads. Many people this past weekend did not comply with that stipulation for public access.
Firewood cutters, hunters, ATV recreationists and families were observed out of their vehicle's, or off the roads, at times very close to torching trees.
Apart from through traffic on designated roads, any other activities of any kind are prohibited within the closure area. These activities include, but are not limited to, gathering of firewood, hiking, scouting, hunting, and fishing.
Large pockets of unburned vegetation remain within the fire perimeter, with hot areas scattered throughout which are capable of burning vigorously.
Forest official are concerned if people stop, exit their vehicles, or go off the roads, the threat to public safety increases. The public is asked to limit traffic on designated open roads to that which is absolutely necessary.
Violations of the Closure Order are punishable by fines of up to $5000 for an individual and $10,000 for an organization and/or imprisonment for up to six months.
Further information is available by contacting the Mountain Home Ranger District at 208-587-7961 or the Idaho City Ranger District at 392-6681.
