Rifle practice with illegal exploding targets blamed for four wildfires
Here's a news item from the Associated Press: BOISE, Idaho (AP) ― Exploding targets may go off with a satisfying bang, but federal land managers say they're behind a spate of human-caused wildfires in Idaho. The Boise District Bureau of Land Management said on Wednesday it has investigated 19 human-caused fires this season and suspect that four have been ignited by exploding targets. The targets are popular for rifle practice, because they scatter incendiary materials for several feet after they've been hit by bullets. But in combination with dry grass, they can become the culprit behind fast-moving range fires. What's more, they're illegal during the wildfire months between May 10 and Oct. 10 on territory managed by the BLM, Forest Service and Idaho Department of Lands. Violators face jail time, up to $100,000 in fines ― and possible firefighting costs, if caught.