Prevention

Fires are a natural part of our ecosystem in North Central Washington, but we still don't want humans causing unnecessary fires. Humans cause around 85% of all wildfires. These can pose threats to communities, damage resources, and put strain on firefighting resources. You can do your part by preventing new starts. See Smokey Bear's tips for wildfire prevention. 

Campfire Safety

Each year escaped campfires are a leading human cause of wildfires. Don't let your campfire become a wildfire. Always check the Alerts to see if any campfire restrictions are in effect before building a campfire on the National Forest. 

If you are going to have a campfire:

• Use an existing fire ring, don't create a new one.
• Clear all vegetation away from the fire ring, look above too.
• Keep your campfire small.
• 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.
• Fully extinguish your campfire before leaving or going to sleep. 

Equipment and Vehicle Safety

Did you know that poorly maintained vehicles or incorrectly setup trailer chains can cause a wildfire? Take the time to learn how to properly maintain and use vehicles and trailers in order to prevent sparking a fire. 

Firewise Homeowners

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Firewise Communities Program encourages local solutions for safety by involving homeowners in taking individual responsibility for preparing their homes from the risk of wildfire.