You Can Play A Role In Preventing Wildfires, Here’s How

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When the summer arrives, outdoor activity ramps up. This activity, accompanied with dry, hot conditions indicative of summer, often results in the potential for wildfires.

And humans play a big part in starting many of those fires. Last year, 87% of fires were started by humans. So what can you do to make sure you’re not responsible for igniting a disaster? Here are some helpful tips, courtesy of Smokey Bear.

Preventing Wildfires While Camping

Sometimes, a summertime adventure lands you in one of the nation’s many wildland areas. While visiting, it’s vital that you know how to enjoy a campfire safely.

*Adhere to any applicable burn bans.

*Utilize existing fire pits or fire rings, if available.

*Consider conditions including wind speed and surrounding debris.

*Ensure a water source and bucket is nearby at all times.

*Never burn anything dangerous, including drink bottles or cans.

*Drown the fire, stir, drown again, and ensure burned material is cold to the touch before leaving the campfire site.

When it’s safe to do so, building a campfire can be a fun and memorable part of any wildland getaway. So before you head out to the woods with your s’more ingredients in tow, check in with Smokey Bear for tips, understand local fire restrictions and make sure you have the equipment needed to keep you and yours safe.

Preventing Accidental Fires Day-To-Day

Did you know that daily activities like mowing your lawn and driving your vehicle carry a risk of starting a wildfire? While these tasks may seem innocuous, there are a few things you can keep in mind to help keep your community safe from fires. For vehicles, sparks and hot, metal components are the likeliest to start a fire.

*Check your tire pressure and tread depth as faulty tires or rims may spark.

*Ensure brake pads are not worn. Never drive if they are rubbing metal-to-metal.

It’s also important to remember that you should never drive through or park on dry grass or brush, even if you’re camping or visiting a rural area, because vehicle exhaust temperatures have the ability to reach an excess of 1,000 degrees.

Safe Burning At Home

In some cases, safe at-home burning is an important part of property upkeep. But, you shouldn’t be any less cautious just because you’re starting the burn intentionally. A controlled, at-home burn can quickly rage out of control and turn into a larger problem.

*Check local weather conditions before an at-home burn.

*Make sure you know local laws regarding burning debris.

*Consider that some items like trash are unsafe or even illegal to burn.

*Ensure your planned fire will have enough vertical and spatial clearance.

*Drown the fire, stir, drown again, and ensure burned material is cold to the touch before leaving the area.

*Attend the fire until it is completely extinguished.

*Follow up on the site for a few days, especially if conditions are dry or windy.

Burning at-home can be safe if you’re careful. Make sure you think through every possible danger. Be cautious of power lines, overhanging tree branches and vehicles. You should also keep water and a shovel nearby at all times.

Only You Can Prevent Wildfires

Wildfires have become an increasingly common part of each year. But there is hope for relief if everyone contributes their part. If you value your home community and the beautiful wildlands our world has to offer, be sure to follow the tips for wildfire prevention at smokeybear.com.

The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.