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Don't cause a wildfire this weekend
BoiseDev, 6-28-23
Fire officials see an increase in human-caused wildfires each year around Independence Day and are reminding Idahoans to be responsible over the holiday weekend.
Aerial fireworks, which are illegal in Idaho, are sometimes the cause. According to the Ada County Sheriff's Office, a grass fire ignited near Lucky Peak on Sunday just off Idaho 21. Witnesses told deputies people were shooting off bottle rockets then took off in a red pickup after there was visible smoke. Luckily crews put out the flames before the fire grew more than a few acres.
While safe and sane fireworks are legal in Idaho (ones that don't fly or explode), no fireworks of any kind are allowed on federal public lands or in the Boise Foothills.
Human-caused fires can also be from unattended campfires, improper disposal of hot ashes and barbeque coals, driving on dry grass, and dragging tow chains. According to the Idaho Department of Lands, a vehicle dragging a chain threw sparks into the dry grasses along I-84 near Jerome in 2019. That fire burned more than 350 acres and impeded traffic on the freeway.
Idaho DOL says a wet spring caused grasses and plants to grow tall creating an abundance of fire fuel. Now that rangelands and forests are starting to dry out, the wildfire risk increases.
(A grass fire near Lucky Peak courtesy Ada County Sheriff's Office)
Preventing human-caused wildfires: Idaho departments stress the importance of road safety this holiday season
KLEW - 6-28-23
LEWISTON, Idaho – Whether you are an Idahoan yourself or are visiting the Gem State this holiday weekend or summer, remember that the idaho department of Lands says human-caused wildfires are 100% preventable.
"Anytime there is a holiday weekend, many Idahoans hit the road and go out to recreate, and they are joined by folks from other states, and with that increased traffic on the road, there is always an increased risk for wildfire," Policy and Communications Chief for Idaho Department of Lands, Scott Phillips, said.
The Idaho Transportation Department and the Idaho Department of Lands are working together to prevent fires started by people.
"So it's very important when people head out they make sure their tires are in go shape, so they don't accidentally start a fire from a blowout," Phillips said.
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Officials: Flat tires can cause fires
ITD, lands department urge drivers to avoid setting off wildfires
Lewiston Tribune, 6-29-23
The Idaho Transportation Department and the Idaho Department of Lands are urging drivers to make sure the safety chains attached to their trailers don’t drag and spark fires and that tires are roadworthy and won’t blow out.
Scott Stokes, director of the transportation department, said in a news release Wednesday that flat tires on vehicles and trailers pose wildfire risks when metal rims scrape along asphalt, throwing sparks into roadside fuels like dry grass.
Idaho has seen catastrophic wildfires resulting from flat tires. In 1992 a motorist drove for miles with a flat tire on the car he was towing behind his motorhome. It sparked a 6,258-acre fire along State Highway 55 near Banks. The driver received a $1.3 million bill for the cost of fighting the blaze.
Dragging trailer chains are also dangerous. A vehicle dragging a chain threw sparks into the dry grasses along I-85 near Jerome in 2019, the news release said, and ignited a 350-acre fire and impeded traffic on the freeway.
The transportation department suggested crisscrossing the trailer safety chains so they won’t drag on the road. Crisscrossing also adds extra safety in case the ball hitch becomes loose.
Drivers are also warned not to park on dry grass. A vehicle’s exhaust system is hot enough to spark a fire. In 2017 a farmer near Star, Idaho, lost 5 acres of wheat to a preventable fire caused by the hot exhaust pipe on a truck.
According to the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, there were 61,429 human-caused wildfires across the nation in 2022.
In those instances, the department of lands investigates wildfires on land it protects. Those deemed negligently responsible for starting fires face paying for suppression costs and economic damages.
Here are some reminders from Recreate Responsibly Idaho before 4th of July weekend
KXLY, 6-27-23
IDAHO — Fourth of July weekend is coming up, and Recreate Responsibly Idaho (RRI) wants to remind you of a few things to stay safe this holiday weekend.
First, they want to remind you of risks when it comes to fireworks and recreational fire use. RRI says there is a spike in human-caused wildfires around 4th of July weekend, whether it be unattended campfires, fireworks, driving on dry grass or other things. They say around 80% of wildfires are caused by humans.
RRI is concerned that rangelands and forests are drying out after a wet spring, increasing wildfire risks.
Here are some resources and tips from RRI to help you prepare for the holiday weekend.
Fire agencies gather at NIFC to honor firefighters ahead of National Wildland Firefighter Day
KTVB, 6-27-23
IDAHO, USA — After "significant" fire activity over the weekend, Idaho's wildfire season is starting and wildland firefighters are ready to keep the Gem State's lands and people safe.
July 2 marks National Wildland Firefighter Day. Ahead of it, agencies from across the country gathered at the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) in Boise to honor and remember wildland firefighters.
National Wildland Firefighter Day is a time to recognize all wildland firefighters and acknowledge their sacrifices. It falls on the Week of Remembrance, which honors and remembers those who have fallen in the line of duty.
Some of the groups that work together to fight wildfires include the BLM, Forest Services, and Department of Lands.
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Officials recognize wildland firefighters, acknowledge more to be done to improve pay, benefits
KPVI, 6-28-23
BOISE — As the weather heats up and dries out, wildfire season is looming in the West, and with it brings an inherent risk to the men and women who battle the blazes.
National Wildland Firefighter Day, established last year on July 2, is officially Sunday, but leaders from different agencies gathered Tuesday at the National Interagency Fire Center to recognize the occasion.
“Wildfires transcend boundaries and know no limits,” said Meagan Conry, deputy assistant director of fire and aviation at the Bureau of Land Management. “This requires a coordinated and collaborative response. Interagency partnerships like those represented here today play a vital role in accomplishing this mission.”
National Wildland Firefighter Day coincides with Wildland Firefighter Week of Remembrance, held annually June 30 to July 6, to honor those who have died in the line of duty.
Idaho is heating up and drying out for Fourth of July Weekend
Idaho County Free Press, 6-27-23
After a cool, wet spring, Summer 2023 is here and the public is expected to head outdoors in potentially record numbers due to Idaho’s growing population.
Recreate Responsibly Idaho is reminding campers and outdoor recreationists to use extra care particularly in southern Idaho where wildfires were reported over the weekend. One of them, the Mile Marker 85 Highway 51 Fire, burned more than 200 acres of grass and sagebrush about six miles south of Mountain Home before containment.
Fireworks and recreation risks: Each year, fire officials see a spike in human-caused wildfires, particularly around the Fourth of July weekend, most often from unattended campfires, fireworks, dragging tow chains, driving on dry grass, and improper disposal of hot ashes and barbecue coals. On average, 80% of wildfires are caused by humans.
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Little declares July 2 Idaho Wildland Firefighter Day
KIFI, 6-27-23
BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – Governor Brad Little has proclaimed July 2 as Idaho Wildland Firefighter Day.
The proclamation recognizes the highly dangerous work Idaho wildland firefighters accomplish in the protection of the more than 9 million acres of private, state and federal land.
Last year Idaho’s wildland firefighters fought 287 wildfires on 4,676 acres, holding 92% of the fires to 10 acres or less. These men and women spend weeks living and working in dirt and smoke and working up against heat and flames while they protect our communities, natural resources, watersheds, recreational opportunities and the forest products industry, which accounts for $2.4 billion of Idaho’s economy.
“Without this skilled workforce in Idaho we wouldn’t be able to combat the continued threat of wildfire,” Governor Little said. “Idaho has invested in our wildland fire program to assure they can respond effectively to the severe fire seasons that are increasingly the new norm in Idaho.”
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Governor Proclaims July 2nd as Idaho Wildland Firefighter Day
Big Country News, 6-27-23
BOISE - Governor Brad Little has proclaimed July 2 as Idaho Wildland Firefighter Day.
The proclamation recognizes the highly dangerous work Idaho wildland firefighters accomplish in the protection of the more than 9 million acres of private, state and federal land.
Last year Idaho’s wildland firefighters fought 287 wildfires on 4,676 acres, holding 92% of the fires to 10 acres or less. "These men and women spend weeks living and working in dirt and smoke and working up against heat and flames while they protect our communities, natural resources, watersheds, recreational opportunities and the forest products industry, which accounts for $2.4 billion of Idaho’s economy," says a release from Little's office.
“Without this skilled workforce in Idaho we wouldn’t be able to combat the continued threat of wildfire,” said Governor Little. “Idaho has invested in our wildland fire program to assure they can respond effectively to the severe fire seasons that are increasingly the new norm in Idaho.”
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Grass and sagebrush fire burns 223 acres south of Mountain Home
New Incident - Idaho Department of Lands.png
BOISE, Idaho — A grass and sagebrush fire was reported 6 miles south of Mountain Home Sunday evening.
The fire is burning along highway 51, near mile marker 85. The fire has already burned roughly 223 acres, however no structures are threatened. The Bureau of Land Management and Idaho Department of lands currently have 3 engines, 1 bulldozer, and a water tender fighting the blaze.
'Significant fire activity': Wildfire burns 223 acres along Highway 51
KTVB, 6-26-23
MOUNTAIN HOME, Idaho — A grass and sagebrush fire has burned approximately 223 acres along Highway 51 at mile marker 85 - six miles south of Mountain Home.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) detected the wildfire at 5:45 p.m. on Sunday. In a news release, BLM clarified that no structures are threatened, as of 1 p.m. on Monday.
Bureau of Land Management and Idaho Department of Lands are working to extinguish the wildfire. Fire crews were able to contain the fires overnight and will continue to secure fire lines into Monday evening. Full control of the fire is expected by Monday night.
BLM said the Treasure Valley experienced "significant fire activity" Sunday due to two human-caused fires and five fires ignited by lightning.
In a Facebook post, BLM reminds people that fireworks are prohibited on BLM lands. As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, fire managers ask the public to be hypervigilant and practice extra caution when using fireworks.
Lightning believed to cause small wildfire burning near Mountain Home
KIVI, 6-26-23
A small grass and sagebrush wildfire is burning on Highway 51 at Mile marker 85. The fire is expected to be under control by 12:00 noon today.
Authorities believe that the fire was sparked by lightning.
According to a press release received by the Idaho Department of Lands, the fire is said to have burned 223 acres thus far and has not threatened any homes or structures.
The fire began Sunday evening, close to 6:00 pm, and is located approximately six miles south of Mountain Home.
Efforts from the Bureau of Land Management and the Idaho Department of Lands are working the fire, as crews continue to mop up hotspots.
Thompson Appointed to Idaho Endowment Fund Investment Board
KOZE, 6-26-23
Idaho Governor Brad Little has appointed Mary Pat Thompson to the Endowment Fund Investment Board.
The Endowment Fund Investment Board was created by the Idaho Legislature in 1969 and is charged with administration and investment management responsibilities for the Land Grant Endowment Fund according to policies established by the Idaho State Board of Land Commissioners. The board consists of nine members who are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.
Mary Pat Thompson served as the Senior Vice President of Finance for MWI Animal Health and as a Consultant with Bruckmann, Rosser, Sherrill & Co. She serves on the boards of AAA Oregon/Idaho and Regence Blue Shield of Idaho and is a member of the Board of Advisors for Zions Bank. Thompson graduated from the University of Idaho with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.
Thompson replaces Richelle Sugiyama who served on the board for the last seventeen years.
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From burned trees to new seedlings, IDL gets value out of salvaged timber and rebuilds the forest
KIFI, 6-26-23
OROFINO, Idaho (KIFI) – In July 2021, the Cougar Rock Complex wildfire burned through about 2,600 acres of endowment trust land managed by the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL). The fire damaged 140 million board feet of predominantly high value cedar.
Burned timber must be harvested within a few short years to retain any value. As it degrades, its value depreciates.
“The lack of a road system for harvesting inside Benton Butte coupled with the active fire suppression on the site made planning salvage operations difficult,” IDL director Dustin Miller said.
But IDL team members out of Orofino were up to the challenge and acted quickly to salvage the valuable timber. The first timber salvage sale sold in September while the fire still burned. During a two-year period, a total of six cedar salvage timber sales went to auction. All six sold, a testament to the agency’s efforts to bring the timber to market before it decayed.
The entire Clearwater Area team worked together to get the sales to auction in a timely manner.
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Sharable Social Media Posts
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Wildfire Alert
Posted June 26, 2023
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Mile Marker 85 Highway 51 Fire
A grass and sagebrush wildfire is burning along Highway 51 at Mile Marker 85, but it is expected to be controlled by noon today.
The wildfire has burned approximately 223 acres with no structures threatened. It was reported at approximately 5:45 p.m. Sunday, June 25, 2023, and is approximately six miles south of Mountain Home.…
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Make Sure Your Campfire is Out
Posted June 6-17-23, 2023
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Wildfires haven't hit Idaho yet this year. Let's keep it that way. Make sure your campfire is out before you leave.
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