Idaho fire order bans fireworks and exploding targets

The Idaho Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has issued its 2018 Fire Prevention Order.

In anticipation of the fire season, Acting Idaho State BLM Director Peter Ditton signed the order, which prohibits specific fire-related activities on public land from May 10 to October 20.

Specifically, the order makes it illegal to burn explosive materials or use fireworks, exploding targets, or tracer ammunition on BLM-managed lands in the state. Anyone who violates the order could be subject to a fine and be held responsible for the cost of fire suppression and rehabilitation.

“The goal of the annual fire prevention order is to reduce the number of human-caused wildfires,” said Ditton, “The BLM appreciates your efforts to protect our public lands, one of our nation’s greatest treasures.”

Historically, fewer than half of all wildfires in Idaho are caused by humans. But last year, almost 60 percent of BLM fires were human-caused. The majority of those fires were shooting related.

BLM is mounting a new fire prevention campaign called “Shoot Responsibly-Idaho.” The campaign focuses on a simile message, to avoid shooting on hot, dry, and windy days or shooting into rocks or metal objects and placing targets in areas that are free of vegetation.

The state of Idaho will also require a fire safety burn permit for any burn activities, also beginning May 10.

You can find the official order here.