BOISE, ID – Two recreational shooters will pay more than $24,000 in restitution to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) after firing illegal exploding ammunition that ignited two wildfires in southwest Idaho in 2024.

The Leeds and Chalky Butte fires together burned more than 700 acres of public land. The BLM said the cases highlight the costly risks of unsafe recreation and urged the public to follow fire prevention rules.

“These settlements show that unsafe recreation has real consequences, while ensuring the public is repaid for the damages and restoration of Idaho’s BLM lands,” said BLM Boise District Manager Shelly Lynch.

The Leeds Fire started October 30, 2024, in Ada County after a shooter admitted to using exploding ammunition. The fire burned about 355 acres of BLM, Bureau of Reclamation, state and private lands. Suppression and damage costs totaled more than $20,000, which the shooter agreed to repay in full on April 25, 2025.

The Chalky Butte Fire began November 1, 2024, when another shooter used exploding ammunition at the Chalky Butte Recreation Site in Owyhee County, reportedly to celebrate a Boise State football win. About two acres burned, costing $4,355. That shooter also agreed to full restitution on April 23, 2025.

Law enforcement cited the second shooter for multiple violations, including discharging a firearm in a recreation area, discharging an incendiary device, and causing a fire.

“Fires that recklessly originate on public lands often impact private property and harm our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott. “The restitution paid by both perpetrators was necessary to offset the damages and fire suppression costs and will serve as a deterrent.”

The BLM said recreational target shooting remains the leading cause of human-caused wildfires in Idaho this year, despite restrictions banning the use of steel or incendiary ammunition, exploding targets, and steel targets.

“Our fire prevention order is clear,” said Chad Cline, BLM fire information officer. “Preventing human-caused fires protects firefighters, communities and the public lands we all enjoy.”

On average, BLM Idaho responds to about 330 wildfires each year, burning roughly 270,000 acres.