Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Nationally, almost nine out of 10 wildfires are caused by humans. These preventable wildfires threaten lives, property and our precious natural resources. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Share these tips to help prevent wildfires and spread the word about TeamPublicLands , our campaign to encourage responsible recreation. Pay close attention to weather and drought conditions , which can affect the flammability of vegetation. Remember, conditions and local restrictions should guide your decision for any fire-related activity such as building a campfire, operating equipment, off-roading on dry grass, or burning debris.
Many people love to go camping and enjoy the warmth and light from a campfire, but your campfire can cause wildfires if you do not build and extinguish it properly. To build a safe campfire , make sure you:.
Make sure your campfire is completely out by following the steps below:. So, avoid driving or parking over dry grass. Carry a shovel, bucket and a fire extinguisher in your vehicle to put out fires. Off-highway vehicles must have a spark arrester. You should also carry a bucket, but you could also use a helmet or anything else to carry water. Make sure you never operate equipment that produces sparks near dry vegetation.
Always clear the area around your workspace. This area should be even larger if it is windy and dry. Create clearings where all flammables have been removed. The width or radius of the clearing will vary with the conditions from 10 to 25 feet. Check conditions and regulations before you use fireworks or consider safe alternatives. Fireworks start over 19, fires and send over 9, people to the ER each year in the United States.
