May is Wildfire Awareness Month – act now to prepare for the season ahead!
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BOISE, IDAHO – The month of May focuses on wildfire awareness and what you can do to help prevent human-caused fires. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) urges Idahoans to take measures in advance to protect their homes and property and take steps to avoid starting a wildfire on public lands. Together, we can help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect our public lands.
The BLM’s wildland fire organization in Idaho is also preparing for the upcoming fire season by maintaining a strong fire team, hiring wildland fire employees, and most importantly asking the public to help prevent human-caused wildfires.
To minimize the potential for human-caused fires, BLM Idaho State Director Karen Kelleher recently issued the 2022 Fire Prevention Order prohibiting specific fire-related activities that commonly lead to wildfires. The Fire Prevention Order, as well as information about active wildfires and fire restrictions, is available on the BLM Idaho Fire and Aviation webpage at https://go.usa.gov/xH78W and the Idaho Fire Information webpage at www.idahofireinfo.com.
The Fire Prevention Order, in effect from May 10 through October 20, makes it illegal to burn explosive material, use exploding targets or steel component ammunition, or discharge, possess or use fireworks on the nearly 12 million acres of public land the BLM manages in Idaho. The order also prohibits shooting at steel or ferrous material(s) within dry vegetation. Any person who knowingly and willfully engages in any act restricted by the Fire Prevention Order could be subject to a fine and held responsible for fire suppression and/or rehabilitation costs of wildfires determined to be caused by that act.
“We are asking the public to be extra diligent this year as the wildland fire potential outlook indicates that we could be in for a real challenge this summer.” said Karen Kelleher, BLM Idaho State Director. “These restrictions are about keeping public lands open and minimizing the potential loss of wildlife habitat and forage in a year where drought has already caused significant strain to the landscape.”
Significant long-term drought has improved but remains across much of Idaho. Despite late fall and early winter precipitation, the recent and upcoming drier weather will likely allow the drought to persist or worsen over the next few months. While fire potential was low or near normal through April, it is expected to increase by June from southern Idaho into the northern portion of the state.
For fire prevention and education tips that can help prepare your home or property for the upcoming wildfire season, please visit https://go.usa.gov/xuP5m
-BLM-
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.