SAD NEWS: Massive Idaho Wildfire Could’ve Been Easily Prevented

This wildfire season has been brutal and caused some serious damage to Idaho this year. Between the firefighters going in to fight the blaze to the workers who helped mitigate hazards to keep our infrastructure intact, countless hours have gone into keeping Idahoans and their property safe.

It's why we're heartbroken to hear that one of Idaho's largest fires could have been easily avoided.

750 Acres Gone

Known as the "Three Point Fire", Idaho Fish and Game says this fire burned over 750 acres, including their Boise River Wildlife Management Area and the surrounding areas of Lucky Peak.

According to Idaho Fish & Game, wildlife habitat recover can take between twenty and thirty years.

“Fish and Game and many partners have conserved thousands of acres of habitat for big game and a variety of other wildlife, as well as for recreation," Idaho Fish & Game said in a press release.

READ MORE: Can You Complete The Workout Required Of Our Boise Firefighters?

"Fires are probably the biggest threat to that land and the animals that rely on it, so a careless mistake can have big impacts for a long time.”

What was the "careless mistake"?

According to Idaho Fish & Game, the Three Point Fire could have been easily avoided as they revealed the cause: dirty toilet paper.

That's right - careless hikers disposed of dirty toilet paper before setting it on fire... and that's what resulted in the loss of over 750 acres.

Idaho Fish & Game reminds would-be hikers and anyone in the Idaho wilderness to be more careful.

"When disposing of used toilet paper, pack it out or bury it well," Idaho Fish & Game said in their press release.

"Land managers like campfires just as much as anyone; if they’re imposing a fire restriction, it’s for a reason."