BOISE, Idaho — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced two recreational shooters must pay the agency more than $24,000 after reportedly sparking the Leeds and Chalky Butte fires in 2024.

Officials on Thursday said the two shooters fired illegal exploding ammunition that started the wildfires . The Leeds Fire and Chalky Butte Fire burned more than 700 acres of public land combined in southwest Idaho.

“Fires that recklessly originate on public lands often impact private property and harm our community,” Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott said. “In both cases, our BLM Idaho Fire partners were able to control the spread of these two fires and protect private property. The restitution paid by both perpetrators was necessary to offset the damages and fire suppression costs and will

See Full Page