Forest Fire Prevention

A forest fire is dangerous to people, pets, wildlife, firefighters and the environment. Every year new wildfires are started by people being careless with fire. The best way to save lives and trees is to know your environment and local laws when using fire outdoors and to take some simple steps to prevent a wildfire.

The Facts

• A forest fire is sometimes intentionally set, as in the case of arson, but most are simply an accident. An accident can be avoided by practicing fire safety. Some common causes of accidental forest fires are campfires, cigarettes, matches, fireworks and burning yard debris. In each of these situations, someone can prevent a wildfire before it begins.

Campfire

• Know an area's campfire rules before going camping and always use available fire pits. If fire pits are allowed but not provided, use a shovel to dig one. Be sure to dig 15 feet away from tents, equipment, bushes, dry grasses and other flammable items. Avoid overhanging branches, too. Dig down about a foot and use rocks to create a barrier ring around the pit. When finished with the fire, always mix water and sand with the embers until cool to the touch.

Cigarettes

• Never throw lit cigarettes or hot matches on the ground. Dry grasses, twigs or leaves can smolder next to cigarettes or hot matches before igniting and starting a forest fire. Throwing cigarette butts or matches on the ground is littering, so always extinguish them completely before placing them in trash cans, fire pits or designated cigarette containers.

Fireworks

• Fireworks can be an enjoyable outdoor activity for the family if they are handled properly. Always know the local laws regarding fireworks before igniting any. Use fireworks only in open areas with no dry grasses, twigs, weeds or shrubs. Keep children and pets away from ignition or launch areas and out of the paths of moving fireworks. Always have a water hose or bucket available in case it is needed.

Yard Debris

• Many areas of the country allow residents to burn yard debris. It is important to find out the laws in our area before starting a fire in your yard. Call the local fire department to ask what time of year burning is allowed and to receive a burn permit if one is required. Always stay with a burning debris pile to make sure that it does not spread into a wildfire or endanger your house or your neighbor's house.

Prevention/Solution

• The best prevention for forest fire is common sense. Always use fire legally and have appropriate water supplies available in case sparks do arise. Use a shovel to mix sand into a small fire or embers until it is completely cool. If a fire does get out of control, reach a safe area and call 911 immediately.