Federal BLM Bans Exploding Targets In Idaho After Firearms Users Caused Wildfires Last Year
Read On
BY SAMANTHA WRIGHT / BSPR
The federal Bureau of Land Management has banned fireworks and exploding targets this summer in Idaho.
Last year, people shooting at exploding or steel targets caused 60% of the wildfires on BLM land. That includes the Sharps Fire in the Wood River Valley, which was ignited by an exploding target.
In response, the head of the BLM in Idaho signed the 2019 Fire Prevention Order. From now until mid-October it’s illegal to use exploding targets, tracer ammunition or fireworks on federal BLM land in the state.
Anyone violating the order could be fined – and if they do start a wildfire, they may be charged for any firefighting or rehabilitation costs.
The BLM is also starting a fire education campaign for target shooters. Called “Shoot Responsibly-Idaho!” it tells people to avoid shooting on hot, dry or windy days. It also advises against shooting at steel, metal or rock targets and to place them away from vegetation.
Copyright 2019 Boise State Public Radio. To see more, visit boisestatepublicradio.org
Related Stories:
Child care subsidies in Washington could be impacted as state faces budget gap
People stand in RoseMary’s Place, a child care agency on the Columbia County Health System campus in Dayton, Washington. (Credit: Columbia County Health System) Listen (Runtime 1:01) Read This year,
Two bills could make it easier for people in Washington state custody to vote, politically organize
A person walks near the Legislative Building, Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at the Capitol in Olympia, Wash. (Credit: Ted S. Warren / AP) Listen (Runtime 1:04) Read While people who
Labor shortages and deportation fears threaten Washington agriculture
A worker unloads apples from his picking bag at McDougall & Sons orchard on Oct. 10 in Douglas County. (Credit: Jacob Ford / Wenatchee World) Listen (Runtime 1:03) Read In
