MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. – Recent wildfires in the Croatan National Forest have the Cherry Point Fire and Emergency Services Fire Prevention Department dedicating a majority of their resources to preventing uncontrolled fires.

Wildfires are more common during the summer, and due to the increased chance of fire, the fire department constantly sends out fire safety information to the community.

“The best way to avoid fires is to inform the community about fires,” said Edward Hudson, a firefighter with the air station fire department. “There are a number of things a person can do to help us do our job, and prevent incidents from occurring.”

Hudson offered the following helpful tips:

• Before having a camp fire, call the fire department and let them know.

• If you see smoke call the fire department, do not assume everything is fine.

• Throwing lit cigarettes out your window can cause underbrush to light on fire, resulting in an uncontrolled fire.

• If you see anyone doing anything unsafe, take the time to stop and correct them.

• Stay informed and follow all local fire safety laws.

The department works closely with the local fire departments to help contain forest fires that occur in the region taking an offensive approach to fire prevention throughout the years.

Hudson said that the biggest prevention measure the fire departments take is prescribed burns, which are conducted to eliminate underbrush that builds up over the years. Underbrush can ignite easily and is the main cause for forest fires.

Hudson said that he is confident in all of the firefighter’s abilities to provide emergency assistance in the event of a fire. “If everyone does their part, it can make our job easier and Cherry Point safer.”