Home fire safety and wildland fire prevention both depend on being mindful
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BOISE, Idaho – As the weather starts to cool down for the season, we all need to continue to be mindful of our surroundings while recreating on public lands. The week of October 4th is National Fire Prevention Week. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) set this year’s theme as Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!TM According to the NFPA, cooking is the number one cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of fires in the kitchen. While this week is mainly dedicated to home fire safety, the same safety precautions are relevant in the wildlands.
Did you know that escaped campfires or warming fires in some locations in Idaho are the leading cause of wildfires? These type of fire causes are no different then leaving your kitchen stove unattended. Everyone enjoys a campfire, but the devastating effects of an escaped unattended campfire could last for many years. Please take the proper steps to completely extinguish your campfire and any warming fires before leaving the area.
“As we begin our fall activities, our current weather patterns are showing warm temperatures this week with possible precipitation this coming weekend,” said BLM Idaho Associate State Director Peter J. Ditton. “Please keep current conditions in mind while you enjoy our wonderful public lands.”
The annual Fire Prevention Order put into place on May 10, 2020 will remain in effect for a couple more weeks until Oct. 20, 2020. BLM Idaho State Director John F. Ruhs issued the Fire Prevention Order to prohibit the possession or use of steel core/incendiary/tracer ammunition and exploding targets on public lands. In general, please be proactive and take precautionary measures while shooting by clearing all flammable materials and rocks away from the target area, and make sure to have fire safety equipment on hand (shovel, fire extinguisher and/or water). Studies have shown that sparks from steel core/steel jacketed fragments cause vegetation fires as much as lead core/copper jacketed and solid copper jacket fragments.
For more information pertaining to National Fire Prevention Week, please visit https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Staying-safe/Preparedness/Fire-Prevention-Week.
For more information on current area wildfires visit www.idahofireinfo.com, Idaho Fire Info on Facebook and follow @BLMIdahoFire on Twitter.
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.