DATE: July 6, 2018
BLM law
enforcement officers seize illegal fireworks
Twitter: @BLMIdahoFire Facebook:
@IdahoFireInfo
#BLMIFDFire
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho—Idaho Falls District BLM law
enforcement officers seized hundreds of illegal fireworks over the Fourth of
July holiday. “The majority of these fireworks were confiscated along Red Rock road
near the St. Anthony Sand Dunes,” said Jeremy Casterson, Upper Snake Field
Manager. “This is disappointing not only because all fireworks are prohibited
on BLM lands, but because that area is highly susceptible to wildfire.”
Every summer, improper use of fireworks are responsible for
multiple wildland and structure fires. Last year two homes in Pocatello were
significantly damaged in a matter of minutes as a result of illegal firework
use. In 2016, the Rapid Creek and Henry’s Creek fires burned nearly 53,000
acres due to illegal fireworks.
The 2018 Fire Prevention Order,
prohibits specific fire-related activities on public land from May 10 to
October 20. The Fire Prevention Order makes it illegal to possess or use
fireworks on BLM-managed lands in Idaho.
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 cost.
To read the BLM Idaho 2018 Fire
Prevention Order, or for the most recent information concerning wildfires, fire
restrictions, and fire prevention and education, can be found on the
interagency Idaho Fire Info webpage, http://www.idahofireinfo.com/.
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Photo attached: Law enforcement officers Harding and
Roberts with some of the seized fireworks
