Menan Butte Fire Caused By Fireworks

For Immediate Release: July 2, 2017, 2:15 p.m.

Contact: Kelsey Griffee, kgriffee@blm.gov, 208-521-8709

MENAN BUTTE FIRE CAUSED BY FIREWORKS

Twitter: @BLMIdahoFire
(#MenanButteFire & BLMIFDFire)

IDAHO FALLS, ID – The Menan Butte fire started at approximately 11 p.m. July 1^st. Evidence suggests the fire was caused by fireworks. The investigation is ongoing. The fire is now contained at 30 acres.

Several units from the Central Fire District, the Jefferson County Sheriff and one BLM engine responded last night and there are currently four engines on scene. The fire started near the Deer Park Wildlife Refuge and the Menan Butte trailhead off of Twin Butte Road. The fire was contained at 11 a.m. this morning and estimated control time is 7 p.m.

The fire started on BLM land where it is prohibited to possess or discharge fireworks. Remember you can be liable for the fire suppression costs and cited if you are found igniting fireworks. This is the 4^th human caused fire in the Menan Butte area in the last two weeks.

Fire season has already started on BLM lands. We have experienced hot and dry weather and below average precipitation over the past month. Fine fuels like grass are primed to ignite. Please observe the BLM Fire Prevention Order that is in effect until October 20^th and be careful as you continue to enjoy the holiday weekend.

For breaking fire information, follow @BLMIdahoFire on Twitter and search for #BLMIFDFire for posts specifically related to eastern Idaho. For additional wildfire updates, Firewise information, and fire prevention tips visit www.IdahoFireInfo.com.  One less spark means one less Idaho wildfire.