Within mere hours or even minutes, a wildfire will destroy acres of vegetation, kill and displace wildlife, and disrupt the lives of those living in and around a natural area. Familiarizing yourself with how wildfires start and how to prevent them is wise, whether you live near a forest, prairie, or other natural area or simply enjoy hiking or camping. So, what are the best ways to prevent wildland fires? Here are a few insights on the subject.
Be Careful With Campfires
Campfires are one of the many pleasures of the great outdoors. No campout, hike, or other outdoor gathering would be as fun without one. Unfortunately, campfires are also a big cause of wildfires, with unattended ones being one of several reasons why wildfires are growing more frequent. Be mindful of your campfire. Pick a safe location that’s 15 feet away from flammable areas, tents, and the like. Keep the area around the campfire clear of brush, leaves, and other potential fuel that might blow away and start bigger fires. Keep it small and manageable with a shovel and a bucket of water nearby. When you’re done, extinguish it with water, stir the ashes, then drown it again. Make sure it’s cold before you leave the site.
Mind the Rules and Regulations
Different campsites, forests, and other natural areas have different rules and regulations about what you can and can’t do on your outing. Pay attention to posted signage and see if there are fire bans in effect for the area. Inquire whether you can use camp stoves instead if the area bans campfires or if you should avoid fires and heat altogether. You may need to purchase a permit for a campfire, so be aware of this rule; otherwise, you may receive a fine.
Don’t Smoke
Try not to smoke in the great outdoors. Cigarettes and other discarded smoking materials are a leading cause of wildland fires. Dispose of your ashes and cigarette butts in an ashtray or canister if you must smoke. Stub out your cigarette in the canister and douse it with water to make sure the ember is out. And obviously, don’t litter the woods, prairie, or other wildland areas. Dispose of all your trash in the appropriate receptacles at the campsite, if available. Otherwise, take all your trash with you for later disposal.
Watch Your Equipment
Some equipment, vehicles, and other devices can start fires if you’re not careful with them. Keep cars, trucks, SUVs, and other vehicles in good working order and ensure they aren’t dragging parts that cause sparks. Don’t park vehicles that run hot over dried grass, leaves, twigs, and similar tinder. Use tools responsibly, including chainsaws and grills. Sparks and flammable substances might escape and ignite the surrounding brush. Finally, pack an extinguisher or keep a bucket or similar container handy and full of water in case of a fiery emergency.
We’ve answered the question: What are the best ways to prevent wildland fires? Now, take this newfound knowledge with you on your next excursion. Pay back the earth for all the beauty and fun it offers with careful and conscientious behavior!
