Smokey Was Right, You Can Prevent WildFires

Forest fires especially in dryer climates such as Arizona’s can bring about huge disasters if not contained and extinguished. While some forest fires are caused by natural factors, the biggest cause are man-related actions.

Currently, a raging fire near Flagstaff has doubled in size to 10,000 acres in only two days, forcing many evacuations, and has closed a major highway leading to this Northern Arizona city.  Evidence now points to the cause of this catastrophe to be from an abandoned campfire.  This tragedy could have been prevented.

Here are some tips that can help contribute to the prevention of forest fires by being more responsible while camping or hiking.

• Extinguish cigarettes completely and do not throw butts near trees or dry leaves while in the forest.  This also goes for not throwing your butts out your car window.  We’re surrounded by desert with dry plants that can ignite easily.
• Fluid or fuel leakage from your car can help start a fire.  Park away from trees and dry areas.
• Avoid using candles and matches inside your tent. Keep combustible liquids and alcohol inside tightly sealed containers.
• Refrain from using fireworks in or near a forest.
• Keep your fire to a manageable size
• Make sure children and pets are supervised when near the fire
• Never leave your campfire unattended

The following items should not end up in your fire pit:

• Never burn aerosol cans or pressurized containers. They may explode.
• Never put glass in the fire pit. Glass does not melt away, it only heats up and shatters. Broken slivers of glass are dangerous.
• Aluminum cans do not burn. In fact, the aluminum only breaks down into smaller pieces. Inhaling aluminum dust can be harmful to your lungs.

When you’re ready to put out your fire and call it a night, follow these guidelines:

• Allow the wood to burn completely to ash, if possible
• Pour lots of water on the fire, drown ALL embers, not just the red ones
• Pour until hissing sound stops
• Stir the campfire ashes and embers with a shovel
• Scrape the sticks and logs to remove any embers
• Stir and make sure everything is wet and they are cold to the touch
• If you do not have water, use dirt. Mix enough dirt or sand with the embers. Continue adding and stirring until all material is cool.

It’s true, only you can prevent forest fires.  Teach your children and friends responsible camping skills and always remember that if it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave!

Photo courtesy of flickr