For Immediate Release: July 2, 2017, 2:15 p.m.
MENAN BUTTE FIRE CAUSED BY FIREWORKS
Twitter: @BLMIdahoFire
(#MenanButteFire & BLMIFDFire)
(#MenanButteFire & BLMIFDFire)
IDAHO FALLS, ID – The Menan Butte fire
started at approximately 11 p.m. July 1st. 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 4th 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 20th
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.