BLM confiscates illegal fireworks
UPDATE: 7:30 P.M.
The Bureau of Land Management prevented possible wildfires with the seizure of fireworks.
BLM says they found hundreds of illegal fireworks on their public lands near the St. Anthony Sand Dunes. They issued fines to those who had the fireworks. BLM says they’ve increased the number of officers patrolling and looking for illegal fireworks. They want to remind everyone that possessing fireworks on public lands is illegal.
“Never bring any fireworks out to public lands,” said Kelsey Griffee, public information officer for BLM. “You’re lighting something on fire. We don’t need anymore fireworks caused fires. And we do have our law enforcement out there and additional patrols from our county partners.”
The BLM also asks people to be more aware when going target shooting because they’ve seen an increase in target shooting caused fires. They say people were setting up targets and shooting off fireworks while firefighters worked to put out the Cinder Fire near Menan yesterday afternoon. Firefighters were even getting shot at while putting out the fire. They are asking the public to pay better attention.
“That lack of awareness that we’re seeing from the public that our first responders are out there, they’re firefighters that are working to protect their public lands,” Griffee said. “And then also think about the other recreators too. So be aware that you need to have that proper backstop, have a cleared area before you shoot.”
The BLM also says to check the weather before you go target shooting. The hot, dry and windy conditions are not the best to go shooting in. They also want to remind the public that exploding targets are not allowed on public lands.
ORIGINAL STORY
With the past two fire seasons in recent memory, the Idaho Falls District Bureau of Land Management cracked down on illegal fireworks this week.
In 2017, fireworks significantly damaged two homes in the Pocatello area. In 2016, the Rapid Creek and Henry’s Creek fires burned 53,000 acres. All were due to illegal fireworks.
This year, BLM Law Enforcement seized hundreds of illegal fireworks over the 4th of July holiday.
“The majority of these fireworks were confiscated along Red Rock road near the St. Anthony Sand Dunes,” said Jeremy Casterson, Upper Snake Field Manager. “This is disappointing not only because all fireworks are prohibited on BLM lands, but because that area is highly susceptible to wildfire.”
The 2018 Fire Prevention Order probhits specific fire-related activities on public land from May 10 to October 20. Under the order, it is illegal to possess or use fireworks on BLM-managed lands in Idaho. Violators could face a fine and could be held responsible for fire suppression or rehabilitation costs.
You can find more information about the fire order here.
