Leave the fireworks at home

SANDPOINT — As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, Idaho Panhandle National Forests officials remind visitors that fireworks are prohibited on National Forest System lands, regardless of weather conditions or holidays.

Exploding targets and other pyrotechnic devices, such as Tannerite, are also prohibited on public lands administered by the Idaho Panhandle National Forests.

Among other tips:

• Campfires Visitors are asked to be very careful with fire. Be sure to pack a shovel and a bucket for extinguishing your campfire. Never leave a campfire unattended, and before leaving a campsite, douse the fire with water, stir, and check for heat with your bare hand. ALL fires must be dead out before leaving a site.

• Food storage When visiting the Priest Lake, Bonners Ferry or Sandpoint ranger districts, remember to store food in hard-sided vehicles or bear-proof containers. The three northern ranger districts all have a food storage requirement in place. For more information, read the food storage order at fs.usda.gov/main/ipnf/home.

• Motor vehicles

When driving, please remember to stay on designated motorized routes. Visitors should carry a motor vehicle use map, available for free at any of our offices or downloaded from Avenza Maps app to your smart device. Please observe off-highway motorized travel laws and regulations when exploring the forest on motorized equipment.

• Leave no trace

Finally, remember to pack out your garbage and clean up your site before you leave. This allows the next visitor to enjoy the forests — just like you did.

Information: fs.fed.us