The BLM in Idaho Asks the Public to Stop Wildfires Before They Start
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As fire season approaches, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Idaho is once again asking the public for help in reducing human-caused fires this fire season. BLM Idaho State Director Steve Ellis recently signed a 2013 Fire Prevention Order designating certain activities on BLM-managed lands as illegal from May 10 to October 20. These include activities such as fireworks; exploding targets; tracer ammunition; and burning, igniting or causing to burn any tire, wire, magnesium, plastic or explosive material that may cause a wildfire. “Nearly one-half of all wildfires in Idaho are human caused, said BLM Idaho State Fire Management Officer Mike Morcom. Last year in Idaho, 2,600 square miles of land burned in wildland fires. More than 500 wildfires were started by people careless with fireworks, improperly shooting exploding targets, or riding all-terrain vehicles off-road through tall, dry grass. "There are dozens of ways to start wildfires but only one way to put them out; through hard, risky work," said Morcom. "If we can remember to use caution when are doing anything that could cause a wildfire, whether we are out shooting, off-roading, camping or just simply pulling a trailer, we help keep our firefighters and the public safe while saving taxpayers dollars," said Morcom. "If we are careful this summer, we can stop wildfires before they start. An average to above average wildfire season is expected this year. However, dry vegetation and little spring precipitation are creating the potential for a volatile Idaho wildfire season. The BLM in Idaho has released two public service announcements (PSAs) that provide tips on how the public can help firefighters reduce the amount of human-caused wildfires. The PSAs will run on television stations throughout Idaho from May until September.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.