Another fire season is approaching and the Bureau of Land Management in Idaho is asking for your help to prevent human-caused fires. State Director John Ruhs recently signed the 2019 Fire Prevention Order, which prohibits specific fire-related activities on public land from May 10 to Oct. 20. The Fire Prevention Order makes it illegal to burn explosive materials or use fireworks, exploding targets or tracer ammunition on BLM-managed lands in Idaho.
“The goal of the annual fire prevention order is to reduce the number of human-caused wildfires,” Ruhs said. “The BLM appreciates your efforts to protect our public lands, one of our nation’s greatest treasures.”
Any person who knowingly and willfully performs any act restricted by the Fire Prevention Order could be subject to a fine and held responsible for fire suppression and rehabilitation costs.
In 2018, shooting-related fires were approximately 60 percent of the BLM’s human-caused wildfires. These fires were related to ammunition, exploding targets and even shooting at steel-type targets. The Sharps Fire outside Bellevue, Idaho, is one example of an exploding target fire that damaged acres of public and forested-lands.
Additionally, the BLM is promoting a fire education campaign that encourages the public to take proactive measures when target shooting. The campaign “Shoot Responsibly — Idaho” aims to remind everyone of the simple steps to remember when target shooting. For instance, avoid shooting on hot, dry and windy days and shooting into rocks or metal/steel objects. Place targets in areas free of vegetation. Taking these simple measures can lessen the chances of causing a wildfire.
To read the BLM Idaho 2019 Fire Prevention Order, or for the most recent information concerning wildfires, fire restrictions, and fire prevention and education, visit www.idahofireinfo.com.
