Back in 2018, we published an article about nine things you shouldn't do when you're recreationally shooting in outdoor areas. From following the NRA's Three Rules of Gun Safety, to ensuring a safe backstop, to checking that the land you're on allows recreational shooting, we thought we had covered the gamut. Sadly, we were wrong. So, for the record, here's a tenth thing to avoid when shooting outdoors: incendiary ammunition.
The reason that we're bringing this to our readers' attention is that, as it turns out, two recreational shooters have just been fined $24,000 after having been found responsible for the 2024 fires in Leeds and Chalky Butte, Idaho. The Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) law enforcement found that the shooters had used what the agency terms "illegal exploding ammunition."
“Our fire prevention order is clear — shooting with tracer, incendiary, steel component or exploding ammunition, exploding targets or steel targets is prohibited on BLM-managed public lands due to the high risk of wildfire,” said Chad Cline, fire information officer. “We ask the public to make safe choices when target shooting by following the order, using safe backdrops and carrying water or extinguishers. Preventing human-caused fires protects firefighters, communities and the public lands we all enjoy.”
“Fires that recklessly originate on public lands often impact private property and harm our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott. “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 serve as a deterrent against improper use of our public lands in the future.”
Leeds Fire:
On October 30, 2024, 911 calls led BLM Law Enforcement to a recreational shooter who admitted to firing exploding ammunition that sparked the Leeds Fire in Ada County, Idaho. The fire prompted a multi-agency response, including BLM Boise District rangers and an Office of Law Enforcement and Security special agent. Based on witness statements and other evidence, the BLM wildland fire investigator confirmed the fire was human-caused and started by target shooting.
The fire burned approximately 355 acres, which included land managed by the BLM, the Bureau of Reclamation, the State of Idaho and private lands, with an estimated cost to the BLM of $20,034.98 for fire suppression and damages. On April 25, 2025, through the efforts of the United States Attorney's Office, the shooter agreed to pay full restitution to the BLM.
Chalky Butte Fire:
On November 1, 2024, a BLM Boise District Ranger identified a recreational shooter who admitted starting the Chalky Butte Fire at the Chalky Butte Recreation Site in Owyhee County, Idaho, by firing exploding ammunition in celebration of a Boise State Broncos victory. The shooter later crashed into a ravine while trying to suppress the fire with a Can-Am side-by-side.
Law enforcement issued citations for discharging a firearm in a recreational area, discharging an incendiary device, causing a fire, driving off-road and creating a hazardous condition. The BLM estimated that two acres burned, resulting in damages and suppression costs of approximately $4,355. On April 23, 2025, through the coordinated efforts of the United States Attorney’s Office, the shooter agreed to pay full restitution to the BLM.
Gun safety, range etiquette, and respect for our nation's public lands all intersect as part of responsible gun ownership. As NRA Members, it's our responsibility to be good stewards of all three, and to insist that our friends and family do the same.
