BLM concerned about fire danger near Menan Buttes

Visitors are coming into the area this weekend to claim their spots to get a view of the total solar eclipse. With so many people coming at the height of eastern Idaho’s wildfire season, the Bureau of Land Management is preparing for the worst.

The federal agency told KIFI/KIDK the Menan Buttes is among the areas of highest concern.

“It’s dry. The grass is dry. The sage brush is dry. We’re in high fire danger. This area has already had multiple human-caused fires this year,” said Kelsey Griffee, the BLM fire information officer.

The BLM said 50 percent of wildfires in eastern Idaho are human-caused.

“[The] Menan Butte area is a huge concern because it is right in the totality path and its already a very popular recreation area. It’s close to town. It’s very easy access. There’s also lots of BLM land around to use for dispersed camping,” Griffee said.

The massive influx of visitors that will flood the area is a scary thought to emergency fire crews. August is the height of our fire season, and the land is usually at its driest point in the year.

“Another concern is that a wildfire will start and people will not know what to do. In that situation ,we want people to call 911 right away and get to safety,” Griffee said.

Should a fire happen, people are advised to make room for emergency responders. Areas will be crowded and crews will have to be able to reach the fire as quickly as possible to ensure everyone’s safety. Do what you can to lower those chances.

“Use a gas or propane stove. Don’t park on dry grass. Make sure your trailer chains are tied up so they’re not sparking into the grass around the area. Just do your part so that we can all enjoy the solar eclipse,” Griffee said.

A Stage 1 fire restriction is in place, which bans items like fireworks and campfires in unauthorized zones.