News Release
DATE: September 25, 2018
CONTACT: Jennifer Kline, (208) 373-3963
BLM urges hunting and
wildfire safety
STATEWIDE, Idaho – As the weather starts to cool and
leaves turn golden brown, many Idaho residents are getting ready for hunting
season. Whether you’re target shooting or building your family’s
traditional hunting camp, fire managers urge Idahoans to shoot responsibly and
to be vigilant about taking precautions to prevent wildland fires.
“Wildfire conditions are dynamic this time of year,”
said BLM Idaho State Fire Management Officer Michael Morcom. “We are still
seeing wildfires ignite and grow at alarming rates, which is unusual for this
late in the fire season.”
Multiple fires are currently burning
in Idaho and some of them are either in or near hunting units. Please be
mindful that even though you may not see the firefighters, they are out
there. Remember the Ten Commandments of Firearm Safety,
especially Rule #3: “Be sure of the target, what is in front of it and beyond
it.” For more information, please visit https://www.hunter-ed.com/idaho/studyGuide/The-Ten-Commandments-of-Firearm-Safety/201014_700016216/
On May 10, 2018, acting BLM Idaho State Director Peter
J. Ditton issued a Fire Prevention Order prohibiting the possession or use of
steel core, incendiary, and/or tracer ammunition as well as exploding targets
while shooting. Be proactive and take precautionary measures by clearing all
flammable materials and rocks away from the target shooting area and having
fire safety equipment (shovel, fire extinguisher and/or water) on hand. Studies
have shown that sparks from steel core/steel jacketed fragments cause
vegetation fires as often as lead core/copper jacketed and solid copper jackets
fragments.
Before you head out to your favorite hunting spot,
make sure your vehicle and trailers are properly maintained by ensuring the
safety chain is not dragging, wheel bearings are well greased, and tires are
inflated to the proper level to help prevent a blown tire. Sparks thrown from
an improperly maintained vehicle or trailer can cause roadside fires without
the knowledge of the driver.
Finally,
everyone enjoys a campfire, but the devastating effects of an escaped campfire
when left unattended could last for many years. Please take the proper steps to
completely extinguish your campfire and any warming fires before leaving the
area.
For more information on
current area wildfires and fire prevention information visit www.idahofireinfo.com,
Idaho Fire Info on Facebook, and follow @BLMIdahoFire on Twitter.
