By Aman Chabra, Local News 8 Reporter
JEFFERSON COUNTY - Recent confusion between controlled burns and real fires has brought up questions regarding the permit process needed for farmers to legally burn their fields.
Controlled burns are a huge part of the farming industry in Southeast Idaho, but without a permit to do so it can cause a difficult situation for fire departments.
"We have a few of these every year, and I like to think it's because those involved don't know the permit process," said Jefferson County Fire District Chief, Jim Deuel.
Jim Bellin with the Department of Environmental Quality agrees.
"People are still experimenting with the permit policy and there are certain things that are allowed, and certain things that aren't, but it's not always real clear," he said.
The need for a permit was established by the state in 2008 and became effective on September 1st of last year.
That was also the time the Department of Environmental quality was commissioned to monitor the smoke caused by the burns, and make sure it doesn't pollute the air.
"Many farms nowadays are in close proximity to towns where there are schools, restaurants, and other things, so we need to make sure the smoke isn't blowing sideways or towards any of these things," said Bellin.
When growers apply for a permit, they go online to the web site for the Department of Environmental Quality, and fills out an application. Once they are approved, the DEQ determines the best day for the burn, and files the permit. The grower is then responsible for notifying their local fire department.
"Most farmers here pretty well educated in the process, but sometimes there are those who either disregard the permit, or get the permit, and just forget to notify the fire department about it. That's the part that needs to change," said Bellin.
One local farmer offers other reasons.
"One reason why people may go ahead and burn without the permit is because it may be a hassle for them. You have to wait 30 days and you have to wait for the right day and the right wind, and then get the go ahead from the DEQ," said Mel Briggs, a Jefferson County farmer who was helping his neighbor burn his fields Thursday.
Briggs and his neighbor, David Ellsworth say they went through the process of obtaining a permit, and their burn was considered legal, and a model for what other farmers should do.
"I wish everyone did things like they do," said Joe Bellin with DEQ.
The permit costs two dollars per acre burned.
If caught burning agricultural fields without one, the fine is $2500.
For more information on the permit process, click here.
