Avoid starting wildfires on public lands Independence Day
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In Congress, July 4, 1776, The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
as the Star Spangled Banner waves from a
Bureau of Land Management Wildland Fire
Engine.
(BLM Photo by Jonathan Moor)
However, the right to the pursuit of happiness does not include using fireworks on federal lands. As Americans celebrate our Independence from England on July 4, patriots are reminded that fireworks are always prohibited on federal lands.
A significant number of wildland fires are caused by people every year. Wildland fires can be ignited by fireworks, escaped camp fires, unextinguished cigarettes, hot mufflers on tall grass, sparks from dragging chains or agricultural equipment and more. Wildland fires annually cause deaths, burn homes, damage property and consume millions of acres of agricultural products like grazing forage and timber.
“Public lands provide valuable, tangible goods, and materials we rely on and use every day to heat our homes and feed our families. The BLM is committed to making America great through shared conservation,” stated BLM Montana State Office Deputy State Director of Resources, Planning & Fire Sandy Leach. “As stewards, the BLM manages public lands for the benefit of current and future generations, supporting conservation as we pursue our multiple-use mission.”
Long days of abundant sunshine and limited rainfall dry out grasses, shrubs and trees in the Northern Rockies and Northern Plains. Whether outside for work or play, be careful not to accidentally spark a wildfire. Only use gasoline powered equipment with a proper spark arrester. Use established fire rings or grills and make sure campfire or charcoal briquettes are put dead out. Restrict smoking to open areas such as pavement or dirt.
A list of year-round fire restrictions on land in Montana and the Dakotas managed by the Bureau of Land Management can be found at https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-information/montana-dakotas
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.