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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Eye On Boise

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.
 



Betsy Z. Russell
Betsy Z. Russell joined The Spokesman-Review in 1991. She currently is a reporter in the Boise Bureau covering Idaho state government and politics, and other news from Idaho's state capital.

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