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POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Bannock County has extended its burn ban until October 15, 2025, citing persistent hazardous fire conditions. The ban is comprehensive, applying to all areas of the county, including all municipalities and fire districts.

The decision to keep the ban in effect was made following close consultation with local fire officials and is based on two primary factors:

• Great Basin Critical Fuel Status: The Great Basin’s critical fuel status remains above average. This indicates that the vegetation and other potential fuels on the ground are arid and highly susceptible to ignition.
• Below Average Moisture: The local weather service has confirmed that Bannock County is experiencing below-average moisture for this time of year. This lack of precipitation contributes to the dry conditions and increases the risk of a wildfire starting and spreading rapidly.

“We understand that people are eager to get back to their normal outdoor activities, but the risk is simply too high at this time,” said Pocatello Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal Dean Bullock. “With the dry fuels and the continued lack of substantial moisture, we are uncomfortable making the call to lift the ban with current conditions. The safety of our residents and our community is our top priority.”

The extended ban strictly prohibits all open burning within the Wildland-Urban Interface Areas of Bannock County.

Exemptions to the Burn Ban:

The use of commercial gas fire pits, gas grills, and/or charcoal briquettes are exempted from the ban when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Campfires and recreational fires are also allowed in developed campgrounds and private residences, provided they comply with the following limitations:

• Fires must be contained within a pit or ring
• Fires should not exceed 3 feet in diameter, 3 feet in flame height
• Fires must be 25 feet from structures or ignitable objects and should be screened to eliminate airborne embers.

The Bannock County Commissioners and local fire departments say they are continuously monitoring the weather and fuel conditions and will provide updates as conditions change.

REXBURG (KIFI) — It’s that time of year again. Flu season is ramping up, and with the virus spreading rapidly—often before symptoms even show—local daycares are reminding parents that it’s crucial to take proactive steps to protect your family.

Staff are doubling down on disinfection efforts to keep shared spaces safe for all children. This busy season is a firm reminder to all parents: vaccination is key.

“The vaccine is important, especially for children, because it helps build that immunity to the flu or at least the flu from the previous season so that kids have a little bit better of a chance of fighting off the illness if they are exposed to it and not getting as sick or hopefully not getting sick from the flu,” said Brittnee McMinn RN Nurse & Owner NiNI’s Daycare.

McMinn reminds us that illness prevention starts with good hygiene, especially in public. Everything you touch—from grocery carts to restaurant menus—can be contaminated. Wash your hands frequently to drastically reduce the risk of spreading illness.

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – While Autumn means hunting season is in full swing, the issue of poaching affects wildlife worldwide, even in Idaho and Wyoming. A recent report by the Boone and Crockett Club estimates that only four percent of poaching incidents in the U.S. are detected.

Robert Howe, District Conservation Officer in Idaho Falls, says part of the issue is that the majority of poaching, either intentionally or unintentionally, happens in the woods without eyewitnesses.

“The challenging part about solving poaching cases is, an elk doesn’t have neighbors or family members that we can talk to and look for suspects. And so we’re often left with a lot of questions,” said Howe.

Howe confirms that an unfortunate amount of poaching does occur in southeast Idaho.

Amanda Fry, spokesperson for Wyoming Game and Fish, tells us their efforts to combat poaching depend heavily on tips from the public. She urges citizens to take an active role in protecting the region’s natural resources.

“The best thing you can do is report a violation when you see it. If you see something, say something. We depend very heavily on our tips from concerned citizens,” Fry said.

To help put a stop to poaching, Howe and Fry recommend calling the poaching hotline immediately, collecting identifying features such as the poacher’s vehicle, and marking the location.

Anonymous Hotlines for Reporting Wildlife Crime:

Idaho (Citizens Against Poaching – CAP): 1-800-632-5999

Wyoming (Stop Poaching Hotline): 1-877-WGFD-TIP (1-877-943-3847)