Prevention

On the Sierra National Forest, we focus our fire prevention efforts on preventing unwanted or accidental human-caused fires.  Human-caused fires may be escaped campfires, flicked cigarettes, car fires (even a sparking muffler or parking a car on grass in very hot dry conditions can cause a fire), or arson.  As you may know, naturally-caused wildfires and prescribed fires make up some of today’s modern ecological management practices.  However, although the Forest Service may use some fire for resource benefits, when it comes to human-caused wildfires, the Forest Service has only one strategy: direct, aggressive suppression.

As part of our fire prevention strategy, we lead and participate in fire prevention educational programs and community activities, including school programs, fairs, rodeos, etc.  If you see us at an event, please stop by to say hello!  In addition, our Fire Prevention Technicians continually patrol the Forest to help educate users about safe campfire and burning practices, and to enforce our rules and regulations for the safety of all Forest users.  Here is some information to help protect our Forest, and keep you safe, from unwanted wildfires.

Campfire safety and regulations

If you’re planning on having a campfire while visiting the Forest, please first check on current fire restrictions and remember to pick up your campfire permit at one of our District Offices or Visitor Centers.  Campfire permits are now available online – click here for more information. Also, don’t forget to bring supplies to properly extinguish your fire, such as a bucket to hold water and a shovel to stir the fire as you put it out.  Watch this YouTube video for more information:

If you are going to have a campfire

• Use an existing fire ring, don't create a new one. When not in a designated campground, build your fire within a ring of rocks.
• Clear all vegetation away from the fire ring (remove all flammable materials such as needles, leaves, sticks, etc.)
• Select an open level spot away from trees, logs, stumps, overhanging branches, dense dry grass, and forest litter.
• Keep your campfire small.
• Never leave pets or children unattended near a campfire.
• Keep plenty of water and a shovel nearby for throwing dirt on the fire if it gets out of control.
• Never leave a campfire unattended! Even a small breeze could quickly cause the fire to spread. Make sure a responsible adult is always in attendance.

When putting out your campfire:

First, drown the campfire with water!

• Next, mix the ashes and embers with soil. Scrape all partially-burned sticks and logs to make sure all the hot embers are off them.
• Stir the embers after they are covered with water and make sure that everything is wet.
• Feel the coals, embers, and any partially-burned wood with your hands. Everything (including the rock fire ring) should be cool to the touch. Feel under the rocks to make sure no embers underneath.
• When you think you are done, take an extra minute and add more water.
• 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. Remember: do NOT bury the fire as the fire will continue to smolder and could catch roots on fire that will eventually get to the surface and start a wildfire.
• Finally, check the entire campsite for possible sparks or embers, because it only takes one to start a forest fire.
  Remember…if it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave.
• Please take the time to completely put out your campfire, it could prevent a wildfire.  For more information on campfires, please contact the nearest District Office.

Defensible space around your home

If you have property near or adjacent to Forest Service land, or live within a fire-prone/adapted ecosystem, consider educating yourself of proper defensible space information.  Homeowners can take independent action to safeguard their dwellings in the event of a wildfire. In fact, they can increase the chances that their houses will be left standing after a wildfire with the right information, some advance planning, and regular maintenance.  Our partners have some excellent information available:

Fire Safe Council:   California Fire Safe Council’s mission is to “Mobilize Californians to protect their homes, communities and environment from wildfires”.

FireWise:  This web site contains educational information for people who live or vacation in fire-prone areas of the United States. It was designed to acquaint you with the challenges of living with wildland fire.

There are six priority areas for making changes to existing homes in fire-hazard zones. It is suggested that homeowners start with the roof, the most vulnerable part of the house in a fire, and then continue in order with vents, vegetation, windows, decking, and siding.

Roofs

Ignition-resistant “Class A” and non-combustible roofs such as concrete tile and asphalt composition shingles can replace shake shingles or other flammable roofing materials. Many older homes still do not have Class A roofs. Homeowners should make an upgrade to a Class A roof your first priority. Many homeowners realize a false sense of security after installing non-combustible roofs and siding simply because those are dominant features on any house.

Vents

Vents offer embers and flames an easy entry point. Embers that slip through attic vents can ignite debris and items stored there, and subsequently construction materials, setting the home ablaze from within. In addition, most building codes require that vents be covered with, at a minimum, quarter-inch mesh to minimize plugging and reduction in air movement. But that’s inadequate to keep flames away from the inside of your home. Homeowners need to frequently check their vents to make sure there is no buildup of debris, such as highly combustible dry leaves and pine needles. For added protection they can make vent covers out of plywood or another solid material that can be quickly installed over vents when wildfire approaches.

Vegetation

The vegetation on the site needs to be examined, with the understanding that it can be both harmful and helpful when it comes to home fire protection. Plants close to the home — under eaves, in inside corners, and near windows — can be major fire hazards, but trees and shrubs farther away can serve as buffers against radiation, convective heat, and flying embers. Trees might have a bad reputation because of the potential to spread fire in the crown, but that is seldom a hazard to structures. Any plants near a house should be pruned, regularly watered, and kept free of dead material within the branches and on the ground.

Windows

The next priority should be windows. Research has shown that by far the most important factor in determining the vulnerability of windows in a wildfire is the glass, not the frame. It’s a good idea to install dual-pane windows with tempered glass. With dual-pane windows, the outer pane protects the inner pane. The inner pane heats up more slowly and uniformly, and therefore may not break even though the outer pane does. Tempered glass is much stronger than regular glass, so it provides more protection against breaking. As is the case with vents, homeowners can fabricate window covers out of half-inch plywood or another fire-resistant material. Cut them to size and mark them clearly so they can be installed quickly over windows before evacuating the home when a fire breaks out.

Decks

A backyard deck is not a top-of-mind hazard for many in wildfire country, even though an ignited deck is often adjacent to large windows or sliding glass doors, both of which can break from a fire’s heat, permitting flames to enter the house.  In general, the thicker the deck boards the better. Boards an inch or less thick release heat much faster, and are therefore higher hazards. Be especially mindful of the gaps between the boards and the house and decking. Combustible debris can build up in the gaps and corners, and flying embers can get lodged there and begin smoldering.  For replacement, consider any material — plastic, plastic-composite lumber, fire-retardant-treated lumber for exterior use.

Siding

Good-quality sheathing — which is installed underneath the siding — is a key to protecting the home’s studs. Non-combustible siding, made of stucco or fiber-cement, can be installed over the sheathing. Combustible siding — such as wood panels and clapboard — should be inspected annually for gaps, making sure that any are filled with a high-quality caulk to prevent hot embers from taking up residence and beginning to burn.

Even beyond these six priority areas, other elements and structures in and near your home (e.g., fences, garages, and gutters) can be improved to keep it safer in a fire. For further information visit: http://www.livingwithfire.info

Fire Prevention Campaigns:

Smokey Bear

In 1944, a fire prevention messenger, Smokey Bear, was created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. However, it wasn’t until 1950 that Smokey became a living legend. Firefighters found a frightened and badly burned bear cub clinging to a tree after a human-caused fire burned more than 17,000 acres in the Lincoln National Forest in New Mexico. The cub was taken to a nearby ranger station, where he was nursed back to health. It was there that he was given the name Smokey, and he became a living symbol for forest wildfire prevention.  Smokey Bear’s message must not be interpreted as “all fire is bad.” He is promoted primarily to address accidental human-caused wildfires. Smokey’s program is still very important and other fire prevention programs have been developed to help educate everyone on how to prevent unwanted wildfires. Visit the Smokey Bear website for more information about the Smokey Bear campaign.

One Less Spark - One Less Wildfire

The One Less Spark—One Less Wildfire campaign educates Californians about how to prevent wildfires inadvertently caused by sparks from sources around the home and vehicle, as well as by industrial usage.  

The Ready, Set, Go Program

The Ready, Set, Go! (RSG) Program, managed by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), seeks to develop and improve the dialogue between fire departments and the residents they serve.  Here are some basic tenets of the program:
• Ready – Be ready, be Firewise.  Take personal responsibility and prepare long before the threat of a wildland fire so your home is ready in case of a fire. Create defensible space by clearing brush away from your home. Use fire-resistant landscaping and harden your home with fire-safe construction measures. Assemble emergency supplies and belongings in a safe place. Plan escape routes and make sure all those residing within the home know the plan of action.
• Set – Situational awareness.  Pack your emergency items. Stay aware of the latest news and information on the fire from local media, your local fire department and public safety.
• Go – Act early!  Follow your personal wildland fire action plan. Doing so will not only support your safety, but will allow firefighters to best maneuver resources to combat the fire. Click here for more about the Ready, Set, Go program. 

Interested in learning more about fire prevention?  Click here to learn more about the Forest Service’s Fire and Aviation Management Prevention and Education program.