BLM Idaho annual Fire Prevention Order goes into effect May 10

Shoot Responsibly - Idaho!

Statewide, Idaho -Another fire season is approaching and BLM Idaho is asking for your help to prevent human-caused fires. BLM Idaho State Director John Ruhs recently signed the 2019 Fire Prevention Order, which prohibits specific fire-related activities on public land from May 10 to Oct. 20. The Fire Prevention Order makes it illegal to burn explosive materials or use fireworks, exploding targets, or tracer ammunition on BLM-managed lands in Idaho.

“The goal of the annual fire prevention order is to reduce the number of human-caused wildfires,” said Ruhs, “The BLM appreciates your efforts to protect our public lands, one of our nation’s greatest treasures.”

Any person who knowingly and willfully performs any act restricted by the Fire Prevention Order could be subject to a fine and held responsible for fire suppression and/or rehabilitation costs.

In 2018, shooting-related fires were approximately 60% of the BLM’s human-caused wildfires.  These fires were related to ammunition, exploding targets and even shooting at steel-type targets.  The Sharps Fire outside Bellevue, Idaho, is one example of an exploding target fire that damaged acres of public and forested-lands.

Additionally, the BLM is promoting a fire education campaign that encourages the public to take proactive measures when target shooting. The campaign “Shoot Responsibly - Idaho” aims to remind everyone of the simple steps to remember when target shooting.  For instance, avoid shooting on hot, dry and windy days and shooting into rocks or metal/steel objects. Place targets in areas free of vegetation. Taking these simple measures can lessen the chances of causing a wildfire.

To read the BLM Idaho 2019 Fire Prevention Order, or for the most recent information concerning wildfires, fire restrictions, and fire prevention and education, please visit the interagency Idaho Fire Info webpage,https://www.idahofires.com/.

Prospect Fire Update - May 8th, 2019

Fire safety burn permits required starting May 10

(BOISE) - Starting May 10, Idahoans must obtain a fire safety burn permit from the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) before starting certain controlled burn activities.  The permits can be obtained online at burnpermits.idaho.gov or in person at IDL offices statewide.  The burn permit is free of charge and good for 10 days after it is issued. Permits issued through the self- service web site are available seven days a week, issued immediately, and valid immediately.

Idaho law (38-115) requires any person living outside city limits anywhere in Idaho who plans to burn anything - including crop residue burning and excluding recreational campfires - during closed fire season to obtain a fire safety burn permit. Closed fire season begins May 10 and extends through October 20 every year.

Residents also are encouraged to contact their local city or rural fire department before burning because some incorporated cities and towns may require their own burn permit. IDL will not issue burn permits within districts where local burn bans are in effect. Additionally, residents should contact the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality for burn restriction information for air quality by calling (800) 633-6247 or visiting http://deq.idaho.gov/air-quality.aspx.

If there are other burning restrictions in effect or additional or alternate permits required, the burn permit web site will provide instructions for Idahoans on how to contact those entities.

The burn permit system helps inform fire managers where burning activities are occurring, reducing the number of false runs to fires and saving firefighting resources for instances in which they are truly needed. It also enables fire managers to respond more quickly to fires that escape, potentially reducing the liability of the burner if their fire escapes.

Contact information for IDL offices where fire safety burn permits can be obtained in person is available at www.idl.idaho.gov/areas.

WFAM Prevention Tip of the Day: Firewise Plants and Landscaping

Using the right tool for the job is always important and the same goes for Firewise plants and landscaping. Find out more at http://idahofirewise.org/firewise…/firewise-plant-materials/

WFAM Prevention Tip of the Day - The Risk of Wildfire is Real

The risk of wildfire is real, and evacuation planning is one of the most important steps you can take to prepare yourself and your family for an emergency situation. Create a Wildfire Action Plan for Your Home. Learn more at http://www.readyforwildfire.org/Ready-Set-Go-Campaign/

Southwest Idaho Spring prescribed fire burning

May is Wildfire Awareness Month - Do your part to prevent wildfires!

Statewide, Idaho - Eleven western governors, including Idaho Governor Brad Little, recently designated May as “Wildfire Awareness Month.”  Throughout the month, residents are encouraged to learn how they can protect their homes and communities from wildfire, in addition to helping firefighters reduce the number of human-caused fires. The Bureau of Land Management will be providing a “Fire Prevention Tip of the Day” throughout the month in Idaho to promote fire education and awareness prior to fire season. 

“It takes a ‘team effort’ to battle wildfires and we want everyone to be a part of this team,” said John Ruhs, BLM Idaho State Director. “It is vital that we work with our community partners and local fire departments. This only serves to strengthen our fire resources in Idaho.” 

Additionally, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) identified May 4 as National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, an opportunity for communities to work together to protect their homes from wildfire. Wildfire Community Preparedness Day projects can also help strengthen relationships between residents and the local fire department, land management agencies and community leaders.  Check out the NFPA webpage for details: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Campaigns/National-Wildfire-Community-Preparedness-Day

Multiple events and activities will be taking place across the state to promote Wildfire Awareness Month. The listings below are just a few of the upcoming opportunities, so check with your local land management agency or fire department for information on other events.

In the Twin Falls and surrounding areas:

·         May 3-4, College of Southern Idaho Softball Games

·         May 7, Harrington Fork Natural Resource Day

·         May 14, Rock Creek Natural Resource Day

In the Idaho Falls and surrounding areas:

·         May 4, Teton Valley Community Wildfire Preparedness Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Teton Basin Ranger District

·         May 18, Portneuf Valley Farmer's Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Old Town Pocatello

·         May 25, Idaho Falls Farmer's Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. along the river walkway

In the Boise and surrounding areas:

·         May 6, SW Idaho Fire Adapted Forum at the Barber Park Events Center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. REGISTER:

https://form.jotform.com/90774994742170

·         May 8, Firewise Class at the Foothills Learning Center from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m

·         May 18, Karney Lakes Wildfire Preparedness Day

For more information about wildland fire prevention and community preparedness, visit www.idahofireinfo.com, www.idahofirewise.org, or http://fireadpated.org/.

Follow Idaho BLM Fire and Aviation:

·         Idaho Fire Info Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/idahofireinfo/

·         BLM Idaho Fire Twitter - https://twitter.com/BLMIdahoFire