FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 3, 2018
Contact: Melissa Yunas
Wildfire Prevention and Education Team Mobilized
TWIN FALLS, IDAHO -
As extreme wildfire conditions increase across Idaho, the Bureau of Land
Management mobilized a Wildland Fire Prevention Education Team to enhance
ongoing local wildfire outreach prevention efforts. August 3, 2018, the team
was tasked to raise awareness of Idaho’s
wildfire threat from target shooting and enlist the public’s support to take
personal responsibility to reduce wildfire risks. For the first few days, the
team will concentrate their efforts in and around the Twin Falls area.
“August
is typically the peak month for wildfire activity,” explained Fire Prevention
Team Lead Zachary Ellinger. “Since January 2018, the Bureau of Land Management
responded to approximately 70 human-caused wildfires that have burned over
29,000-acres (which includes the Sharps Fire near Bellevue). As a community, we
can reduce future wildfires by taking a few extra precautions.”
Using
recent fire behavior, ignition research and historical fire occurrences, the Fire
Prevention Education Team will emphasize the Shoot Responsibly-Idaho statewide initiative campaign. The campaign
is designed to provide constant reminders during this fire season to reduce the
number of target shooting fires throughout the state. Since 2015, over 30%
percent of wildfire ignitions in Idaho were attributed to exploding target and
ammunition sparking off rocks and other hard-surfaced materials (metal
targets). Outdoor shooting enthusiasts are encouraged to use public lands
safely, while following the current fire restrictions and incorporating
wildfire safety practices into their routine.
Until the fire threat is diminished, all
Idahoans can take steps to prevent the next wildfire from occurring.
One less spark means one less wildfire;
let’s all do our part.
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