BOISE, Idaho — As Idaho starts to feel the heat from wildfire season, it's always a good time to remember the age-old adage from Smokey Bear: "only you can prevent forest fires."
Human activity poses the largest threat toward igniting Idaho's landscape, including the grassy foothills in Boise's backyard.
"We're seeing a lot of these very, very dry grasses - we call them fine fuels," Idaho Department of Lands Public Information Officer Robbie Johnson said. "We had a lot of moisture in the spring, which allowed these types of grasses to grow really strong. Now we're in the sustained heat of the summer, and this is starting to dry out significantly."
The Idaho Department of Lands said about 80% of wildfires are caused by humans. The first step toward wildfire prevention is being aware of conditions when recreating.
There are a few other quick steps you could take to help preserve the long history of the Gem State's landscape.
"When you're going somewhere where there's grasses, first of all be sure you're not parking on the dry grass, don't drive on the dry grass," Johnson said. "Your engine and all that heat can can cause a wildfire just by driving over it. Of course, don't put your cigarette out the window that can start a fire too, it does."
One of the most common causes of wildfires are campfires.
"If you're going to be camping, look for a camp in a fire area that's away from fine fuels or by water - use a ring that's already been created for a fire," Johnson said.
With the Fourth of July right around the corner, it's also important to be cautious when using fireworks, which have sparked wildfires in the foothills in the past.
The IDL recommends enjoying the holiday by going to a firework show put on by a city, or using fireworks in a safe area far away from forest lands.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist:
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET NEWS FROM KTVB:
Download the KTVB News Mobile App
Apple iOS: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Watch news reports for FREE on YouTube: KTVB YouTube channel
Stream Live for FREE on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching 'KTVB'.
Stream Live for FREE on FIRE TV: Search ‘KTVB’ and click ‘Get’ to download.