BLM law enforcement holds recreational shooters accountable for Idaho wildfires
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BOISE – Following investigation by Bureau of Land Management law enforcement, two recreational shooters will pay more than $24,000 to the BLM after firing illegal exploding ammunition that sparked the 2024 Leeds and Chalky Butte fires in southwest Idaho. Together, the fires scorched more than 700 acres of public land, underscoring the costly risks of illegal ammunition use. The BLM continues to urge safe, responsible recreation to protect communities and natural resources.
"These settlements show that unsafe recreation has real consequences, while ensuring the public is repaid for the damages and restoration of Idaho’s BLM lands," said BLM Boise District Manager Shelly Lynch.
Recreational target shooting has been the leading cause of human-caused wildfires in Idaho during 2025, despite restrictions outlined in the Bureau of Land Management’s Idaho Fire Prevention Order. Common violations include the use of steel component ammunition, shooting at steel targets, and using exploding targets—among several restrictions designed to reduce wildfire risk.
“Fires that recklessly originate on public lands often impact private property and harm our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott. “In both cases, our BLM Idaho Fire partners were able to control the spread of these two fires and protect private property. The restitution paid by both perpetrators was necessary to offset the damages and fire suppression costs and will serve as a deterrent against improper use of our public lands in the future.”
Leeds Fire:
On October 30, 2024, 911 calls led BLM Law Enforcement to a recreational shooter who admitted to firing exploding ammunition that sparked the Leeds Fire in Ada County, Idaho. The fire prompted a multi-agency response, including BLM Boise District rangers and an Office of Law Enforcement and Security special agent. Based on witness statements and other evidence, the BLM wildland fire investigator confirmed the fire was human-caused and started by target shooting.
The fire burned approximately 355 acres, which included land managed by the BLM, the Bureau of Reclamation, the State of Idaho and private lands, with an estimated cost to the BLM of $20,034.98 for fire suppression and damages. On April 25, 2025, through the efforts of the United States Attorney's Office, the shooter agreed to pay full restitution to the BLM.
Chalky Butte Fire:
On November 1, 2024, a BLM Boise District Ranger identified a recreational shooter who admitted starting the Chalky Butte Fire at the Chalky Butte Recreation Site in Owyhee County, Idaho, by firing exploding ammunition in celebration of a Boise State Broncos victory. The shooter later crashed into a ravine while trying to suppress the fire with a Can-Am side-by-side.
Law enforcement issued citations for discharging a firearm in a recreational area, discharging an incendiary device, causing a fire, driving off-road and creating a hazardous condition. The BLM estimated that two acres burned, resulting in damages and suppression costs of approximately $4,355. On April 23, 2025, through the coordinated efforts of the United States Attorney’s Office, the shooter agreed to pay full restitution to the BLM.
“Our fire prevention order is clear — shooting with tracer, incendiary, steel component or exploding ammunition, exploding targets or steel targets is prohibited on BLM-managed public lands due to the high risk of wildfire,” said Chad Cline, fire information officer. “We ask the public to make safe choices when target shooting by following the order, using safe backdrops and carrying water or extinguishers. Preventing human-caused fires protects firefighters, communities and the public lands we all enjoy.”
BLM Idaho Fire responds to an average of 330 wildland fires per year, which burn about 270,000 acres annually. BLM Idaho employes nearly 500 fire professionals, making it one of the largest Fire programs in the Bureau. The BLM represents 61% of the Department of the Interior’s fire-related workforce. Fire prevention orders are issued to keep the public safe and prevent wildland fires.
The BLM manages about 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.