The Bureau of Land Management Idaho has reported 14 shooting-related wildfires on public lands so far in 2026, burning a combined 1,553 acres and drawing renewed attention to the growing problem of target shooting as a wildfire ignition source in the Gem State's fire-prone landscapes.

A Pattern That Demands Attention

BLM Idaho made the announcement in partnership with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service Great Basin Unit 1 — Boise, which has co-responded to shooting-related fire incidents across the southern Idaho high desert. The fires have predominantly ignited in dry grass and shrub lands where target shooting with steel-core ammunition, tracer rounds, or other spark-generating projectiles can ignite fine fuels in seconds.

"Shooting-related fires are a serious and preventable problem," BLM Idaho said in a statement. "With the fire season now fully underway across the state, we urge all recreational shooters to be aware of fire conditions and to follow all fire restrictions currently in place on public lands."

Snake River Fire Also Recently Active Near Idaho-Washington Border

Separately, the Snake River Fire burned 693 acres west of Clarkston, near the Idaho-Washington border, and was reported 100% contained as of Monday. The fire served as another early-season reminder of the dry and fire-prone conditions across the Snake River Plain and adjacent lands.

Also listed on the NIFC national incident report, the Pv Fire on BLM's Boise District — approximately 12 miles south of Boise — burned 700 acres and was reported 50% contained as of mid-June. Boise-area fires are considered high-priority due to the wildland-urban interface that surrounds Idaho's capital city.

Current Restrictions on BLM Lands

BLM Idaho has implemented fire restrictions across multiple field offices in response to elevated fire danger. Key restrictions include:

  • No campfires outside of developed recreation sites with metal fire grates
  • No charcoal fires in the backcountry
  • Fireworks prohibited on all BLM lands statewide
  • Steel-jacketed, steel-core, and tracer ammunition prohibited during fire restrictions
  • Target shooting restricted in areas with elevated fire danger or dry grass conditions

Violations of fire restrictions on federal lands can result in fines of up to $5,000 and up to six months in jail under federal law.

What Shooters Should Know

BLM officials offered specific guidance for recreationists who want to target shoot responsibly:

  • Check current fire restrictions at blm.gov before heading out
  • Use only soft-point or lead-core ammunition — avoid steel-jacketed, tracer, or incendiary rounds
  • Choose sites with bare dirt, gravel, or sand backstops rather than dry grass or brush
  • Carry water and a shovel when shooting in remote areas
  • If a fire starts, call 911 immediately and do not leave the scene until firefighters arrive

With 14 shooting-related fires already on the books and the driest months of the season still ahead, BLM Idaho said it will increase patrols and public outreach in popular shooting areas throughout the summer.