Fall is upon us, and many folks are beginning to make their plans to get out and see the beauty of one of nature’s most spectacular displays of colors! From the magnificent maples of New England to the aspens of the Rockies, even down amongst the wildflowers of our grasslands—the flames of nature’s fall colors will impress any traveler wanting to take it in.
But the inferno of reds, yellows and oranges can also be the herald of something far more dangerous than leaf peeper traffic jams. Fall can also be the beginning of elevated fires risk for some Southwestern states, including California, Arizona and New Mexico. In California, this is because dry hot winds known as the Santa Ana Winds sweep across the southern part of the state and can spread fires far and wide. Meanwhile, next door in Arizona and New Mexico, the summer monsoons have ended, and the hot winds of September have dried out much of the landscape, creating dry and highly ignitable vegetation.
As such, the cautions for wildfire risk reduction for the summer remain very much in place. Things like fireworks, sparks from vehicles or improperly extinguished campfires can still inadvertently trigger wildfires on national forests and grasslands – and other areas of the country.
Recognizing these risks, Fire Prevention Month was established in October. With the goal of the month to raise awareness of fire risks to the home, the USDA Forest Service participates to give people resources to reduce the threat of wildfire and keep their houses safe. After all, as America’s most recognized bear, Smokey Bear, reminds us: “Only You Can Prevent Wildfires.”
Live from the Forest, It’s Smokey Bear!
Smokey has long been creative in getting his message of wildfire prevention to the public. From stamps to White House visits, to hot-air balloons and even a trip into outer space, America’s most recognized bear is tireless in his wildfire prevention advocacy. This year is no different.
In fact, Smokey has a new way of bringing his vital message to the public. To promote Fire Prevention Week, an entire four-part education series is being released this October by the Forest Service’s Conservation Education program to drive home the importance of wildfire prevention. The show, Smokey Bear Live, will be broadcast starting Friday, October 4, and every Friday until the end of the month.
You can watch on the series starting Oct 4 on the Forest Service’s Natural Inquirer’s website.
Smokey Bear Live is designed to be not only educational, but also entertaining with Saturday Night Live-type skits to not only make you laugh, but also draw you in to the important messages of what you can do to stop unwanted, human-caused wildfires in our forests and grasslands.
All four segments will focus on how our simple actions can cause wildfires.
Segment one, Campfires Can Spark Wildfires, will teach the viewer how to have a safe campfire.
Segment two, Vehicles Can Spark Wildfires, will give some quick and easy vehicle safety instructions.
Segment three, Fireworks Can Spark Wildfires, explains why fireworks are so dangerous in our national forests and grass lands and therefore illegal.
The final segment will be live with a panel of experts so please have your questions ready!
A Bear (and Message) for All Seasons
So, this fall, join us and Smokey as we live, laugh and look out for wildfire prevention tips on Smokey Bear Live. That way, the only brilliant reds, oranges, yellows and golds you need to keep an eye on are the amazing autumn leaves. After all, it’s important to be just like Smokey Bear and prevent unwanted fires—every season of the year!
