BLM warns about private firefighting backfires

In association with the lightning-caused Long Butte Fire in southeastern Idaho, the Bureau of Land Management has received reports of private individuals "burning out" lands on the fire perimeter.

The BLM takes those reports "very seriously" and has initiated an investigation to address "this potentially life-threatening issue."

"Burning out" is when firefighters intentionally ignite a fire as a means to burn up fuel ahead of an existing fire to attempt to stop or slow its advance.

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