Idaho Governor Brad Little proclaimed May as Wildfire Awareness Month, and on Monday, he brought attention to the biggest cause of wildfires by declaring the week of May 22 as Wildfire Prepare and Prevent Week.
An Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) education campaign launched this week will help address the biggest cause of wildfires, human behaviors.
“Unwanted, human caused fires are 100% preventable,” IDL Director Dustin Miller said. “But people must exercise common sense, think before acting, and know they are accountable for their actions.”
Common causes of wildfires include escaped debris burning, escaped campfires, sparks from dragging trailer safety chains, lighting fireworks in dry areas, throwing cigarettes on the ground or from moving vehicles, and driving or parking vehicles over dry grass.