BLM urges shooters to be cautious
Bureau of Land Management investigators have determined the 181-acre Liberty Fire, 8-acre Lava Rock Fire and the 41-acre Cinder Fire were all caused by target shooting.
“When you have hot, windy conditions you only need a small spark to ignite dry grass,” said Fire Management Officer Joel Gosswilller. “Shooting certain kinds of ammunition and exploding targets create an easy ignition source.”
The BLM Fire Prevention Order, issued earlier this year, prohibits discharge of incendiary, steel core, tracer ammunition, and exploding targets on BLM lands from May 10th to October 20th.
Violation of the order is a misdemeanor and violators could also be held liable for the costs of fire suppression, rehabilitation, and property damage.
BLM is also asking shooters to be aware of other activities around them. During the Cinder Fire near Idaho Highway 33 in Jefferson County, people were still shooting around the perimeter while firefighters were working to put out the fire.
The agency offered these shooting precautions:
Check weather conditions. Hot + Dry + Wind = Quick Spreading Wildfires Choose a shooting area that is clear of dry grass/vegetation and rocks. Have a proper backstop. Always bring water, a fire extinguisher and a shovel.
