High fire danger in east Idaho
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The following is a news release from the Eastern Idaho Interagency Fire Center on Friday.
IDAHO FALLS – The Eastern Idaho Interagency Fire Center continues to receive reports of fireworks being discharged on public lands. Both the BLM and Forest Service are reminding everyone that fireworks are prohibited on lands managed by both agencies across the state.
Additionally, many counties have instituted open burn bans due to the dry weather conditions. State statutes prohibit the discharging of fireworks after midnight July 5.
“There is an abundance of grass across eastern Idaho thanks to the cool, wet spring,” said Joel Gosswiller, Fire Management Officer for the Idaho Falls District. “After a month of hot, dry weather, with minimal precipitation, fuels are primed to ignite in the lowlands.”
Due to weather and fuel conditions the Idaho Falls District Bureau of Land Management has moved into High Fire Danger. While the Caribou-Targhee National Forest is still in Moderate Fire Danger, it is important to practice the same care with fire while on the Forest lands.
The Menan Butte Fire was ignited by the illegal use of fireworks on July 1, 2017, and left behind a 238-acre scar that will take years to rehabilitate.
Whether you are recreating or traveling on the highways or back roads, keep fire prevention in mind and follow these fire prevention tips:
On the road
- Keep tires properly inflated.
- Grease your wheel bearings.
- Tie up trailer safety chains.
- Do not drive or park in tall, dry grass.
At the campground
- Have a shovel, bucket, and water nearby.
- Make sure your campfire is completely out. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.
Target shooting
- Check weather conditions. Hot + Dry + Wind = Quick Spreading Wildfires
- Choose a shooting area that is clear of dry grass/vegetation and rocks.
- Always bring water, a fire extinguisher and a shovel.
- Discharging a firearm using incendiary, steel core or tracer ammunition is prohibited on BLM lands from May to October 20.
- Burning, igniting or causing to burn explosive material, including exploding targets is prohibited on BLM lands from May to October 20.
For information on current wildland fires, fire restrictions, and fire prevention in Idaho, visit www.IdahoFireInfo.com.
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