Intermountain Region

Fire & Aviation

FIRE SAFETY

Anyone who has felt the warmth of a fire and enjoyed its friendly light knows that fire is not always a devastating blaze. Our ancestors considered fire, along with air, water and earth, a basic element. Long ago they learned to use and control fire. It was, perhaps, their first tool.

Most people are careful with fire. They build their fires in the right places and at the right time. They keep them the proper size and put them out before leaving them.

But forest fires raging out of control - wildfires - are an awesome and terrifying sight. The damage they do is appalling and this wasteful burning goes on year after year. The best way to keep forest fire damage low is to keep forest fires from getting started.

Here are a few tips to help you enjoy fire safely outdoors. For more information contact your local Forest Service Office.

Debris | Household Trash | Agriculture Residue and Forest Litter | Lanterns, Stoves and Heaters
Spark Arresters | Smoking | Charcoal Briquettes | Campfires

Debris

Check the weather; don't burn on dry, windy days.

Consider the alternatives to burning. Some types of debris - such as leaves, grass and stubble - may be of more value if used for compost. Household items such as plastics, glass, paper and aluminum cans can be recycled or hauled to a local sanitary landfill. If you must burn debris, do it safely.

Household Trash

If you must burn trash, don't pile it on the ground. It will not burn completely and will easily be blown around. Local fire officials can recommend a safe receptacle for burning trash. It should be placed in a cleared area, away from overhead branches and wires.

Never attempt to burn aerosol cans; heated cans will explode. Flying metal from an exploding aerosol can might cause an injury. Burning trash scattered by such an explosion has caused the spread of many fires.

Agricultural Residue and Forest Litter

Be sure you are fully prepared before burning off your field or garden spot. To control the fire, you will need a source of water, a bucket and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire.

If possible, a fire line should be plowed around the area to be burned. Large fields should be separated into small plots for burning one at a time. Be sure to stay with your fire until it is out.

Before doing any burning in a wooded area, contact your local forester. The forester will weigh all factors, explain them to you, and offer technical advice.

Lanterns, Stoves and Heaters

Cool all lanterns, stoves and heaters before refueling. Place them on the ground in a cleared area and fill them. If fuel spills, move the appliance to a new clearing before lighting it. Recap and store flammable liquid containers in a safe place. Never light lanterns and stoves inside a tent, trailer or camper. If you use a lantern or stove inside a tent or trailer, be sure to have adequate ventilation. Always read and follow instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Spark Arresters

All types of Equipment and vehicles are required to have spark arresters. Chain saws, portable generators, cross country vehicles and trail bikes - to name a few - require spark arrestors if used in or near grass, brush or a wooded area. To make sure that the spark arrester is functioning properly, check with the dealer or contact your local Forest Service or State forestry office.

Smoking

When smoking is permitted outdoors, safe practices require at least a 3-foot (1 meter) clearing around the smoker. Grind out your cigarette, cigar or pipe tobacco in the dirt. Never grind it on a stump or log. It is unsafe to smoke while walking or riding a horse or trail bike. Use your ashtray while in your car.

Charcoal Briquettes

After using the burning charcoal briquettes, "dunk 'em!" Don't sprinkle. Soak the coals with lots of water; stir them and soak them again. E sure they are out - cold! Carefully feel the coals with your bare hands to be sure.

Building and Putting Out a Campfire

• Build campfires away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, rotten stumps, logs, dry grass and leaves. Pull any extra wood away from the fire.
• Keep plenty of water handy and have a shovel for throwing dirt on the fire if it gets out of control.
• Start with dry twigs and small sticks.
• Add larger sticks as the fire builds up.
• Put the largest pieces of wood on last, pointing them toward the center of the fire and gradually push them into the flames.
• Keep the campfire small. A good bed of coals or a small fire surrouned by rocks gives plenty of heat. Scrape away litter, duff and any burnable material within a 10-foot (3 meter) diameter circle. This will keep a small campfire from spreading.
• Be sure your match is out. Hold it until it is cold. Break it so you can feel the charred portion before discarding it. Make sure it is cold out. Conserve matches - carry a candle as a fire starter.
• Never leave a campfire unattended. Even a small breeze could quickly cause the fire to spread.
• Drown the fire with water. Make sure all embers, coals and sticks are wet. Move rocks - there may be more burning embers underneath.
• Stir the remains, add more water, and stir again. Be sure all burned material has been extinguished and cooled. If you do not have water, use dirt. Mix enough soil or sand with the embers. Continue adding and stirring until all material is cooled.
• Feel all materials with your bare hand. Make sure that no roots are burning. Do not bury your coals - they can smolder and break out.

Since people cause most wildfires, we all have a part in preventing them. We can be more careful ourselves. And whoever we are and wherever we are, we can influence others to use more care with fires.

Remember, a little extra care takes only a few minutes of your time. And it could prevent a wildfire.

US Forest Service - Intermountain Region
Last Modified: Monday, 10 March 2008 at 17:04:42 EDT