Prevention
Smokey Bear says, "Only you can prevent wildfires"
You may know that fire is a natural part of ecosystems and sometimes necessary for maintaining and even improving forest health. However, wildfires at the wrong place and time can be destructive to communities, watersheds, and lives.
Did you also know that up to 80% of all wildfires are caused by humans? The best way you can protect communities from damage by wildfire is to prevent human-caused wildfires.
- Check for fire restrictions before you light a campfire
- Never leave a campfire unattended
- Clear flammable materials from around your fire ring
- Keep plenty of water handy and a shovel, in case you need to extinguish your fire.
- Always extinguish your fire before leaving it
- Drown the coals with plenty of water
- Use a shovel to stir.
- Feel for heat with the back of your hand
- Add water and stir again until the coals are cool to the touch.
- Avoid parking your hot vehicle over tall grass or other vegetation
- Keep a fire extinguisher handy when using saws or welding equipment
- Prevent chains from dragging behind your vehicle
- Be careful with cigarettes
- Use gas stoves on level surfaces that are barren of vegetation or flammable materials
Be Wildfire Ready
Learn how to create a defensible space around your property and prepare an evacuation plan. Eight videos guide you through week-by-week actions you can take to be better prepared.
Preparing your home
Homeowners can take steps to minimize the likelihood of flames or surface fire touching their home. The FireWise website has resources, checklists and guide to help you prepare for the wildfire season.
Campfire Safety
Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Be sure to check if you are in an area with campfire restrictions, which will be listed under Alerts & Notices.
- Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
- Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
- Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
- Make sure to bring at least 6 gallons of water (preferably 10 gallons) and a shovel to completely extinguish your campfire.
- Burn all wood and coals to ash. Extinguish campfires completely by generously dousing with water and stirring with a shovel.
Never leave a campfire unattended. It is illegal to do so--even for a short amount of time. Most wildland fires are caused by human activity, including campfires that were abandoned without being properly extinguished. You could be held liable for any firefighting/restoration costs that result from your abandoned or unattended campfire. Make certain your campfire is dead out, wet and cold to the touch, before leaving your campsite. Read more tips for putting your campfire safety.
Campfire Safety with Smokey Bear
Learn more about how to prevent unwanted wildfires with Smokey Bear.