Fireworks Illegal on all Public Lands in Idaho

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT NEWS RELEASE

Release Date: 05/14/10

Contacts:		Jessica Gardetto (208) 373-4060
		Jonathon Skinner (208) 373-3854

Fireworks Illegal on all Public Lands in Idaho

Boise, ID –As Idaho’s weather warms and summer approaches, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is encouraging people to get out and enjoy their public lands. Lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Idaho Department of Lands and the BLM can be reached within a few miles of almost every Idaho community, but the BLM would like the public to remember two very important things this summer season: use caution when enjoying the outdoors and never use fireworks on any of Idaho’s public lands.

Every year, both legal and illegal fireworks account for dozens of wildfires across Idaho. On May 10, Acting BLM Idaho State Director Peter Ditton issued a Fire Prevention Order making it a misdemeanor to carry, discharge or otherwise use fireworks on BLM-managed lands. Violations of the Order may bring fines and jail time, and violators who start wildfires can also be liable for the costs of damage and suppression. BLM issues this Order annually to join the U.S. Forest Service and Idaho Department of Lands who already have permanent statutes in place that prohibit fireworks.

“A lot of people don’t realize that possessing or using fireworks is illegal on all of Idaho’s public lands,” said Jon Skinner, BLM Fire Mitigation and Education Specialist. “Every year, wildland firefighters respond to dozens of wildfires caused by people lighting off fireworks on Idaho’s rangelands and forests. These fires put firefighters’ lives in danger and damage valuable resources,” Skinner added.

Fireworks are not the only cause of wildfires on our rangelands, which is why the Order also prohibits incendiary bullets, tracer ammunition and exploding targets. People often purchase such items from local stores or via the Internet and then use them on public land.

“It’s about personal responsibility,” Skinner added. “While target shooting, ensure you know exactly what bullets you’re using and that you’re aiming for a safe target that is not surrounded by dry vegetation.”

Exploding targets also cause wildfires. Many of the targets are packaged to promote their safe qualities, which can mislead many people since they often send sparks for several feet when they explode. These sparks, when coupled with dry vegetation, can instantly ignite a wildfire.

So far, Idaho is experiencing a wet, cold spring, which will delay fire season until increased temperatures dry out vegetation. “Once Idaho warms up, we’ll be in fire season, so please, take extra caution with anything that could cause a spark,” Skinner added.

Under the Order, the following actions are prohibited on all public lands managed by the BLM within the State of Idaho, unless specifically authorized in writing:

· Discharging, using or possessing fireworks.

· Discharging a firearm using incendiary or tracer ammunition.

· Burning, igniting or causing to burn any tire, wire, magnesium, plastic or any other hazardous or explosive material (including exploding targets).

The Fire Prevention Order will remain in effect until October 20, 2010. BLM officials will evaluate the effectiveness of the order over the winter and if appropriate may issue it again next year.

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2011, recreational and other activities on BLM-managed land contributed more than $130 billion to the U.S. economy and supported more than 600,000 American jobs. The Bureau is also one of a handful of agencies that collects more revenue than it spends. In FY 2012, nearly $5.7 billion will be generated on lands managed by the BLM, which operates on a $1.1 billion budget. The BLM's multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.

--BLM--

Last updated: 05-14-2010