DRIGGS, Idaho — With campfire season right around the corner, Caribou-Targhee National Forest (CTNF) has issued a reminder regarding fire safety on forest lands.
CTNF shared a social media post about the dangers of burning pallets, which creates extra work and unnecessary risks for forest users and staff.
“When pallets are burned, the nails and other metal pieces don’t disappear; they turn into hidden dangers lurking in the ashes,” CTNF’s post said. “These remnants can easily puncture tires, leading to unexpected and costly repairs for vehicles. We need to remember a simple equation: Pallet fires equal flat tires.”
Additional problems caused by pallet-burning include smoke-induced breathing hazards, as well as construction chemicals released by burning treated lumber leaching into soil and groundwater.
“It endangers wildlife and our safety and adds an extra layer of work for cleanup crews and forest rangers, who strive to keep these natural spaces pristine and safe for everyone,” CTNF posted. “Let’s respect their hard work and our environment by avoiding using pallets as firewood.”
