Improve Fire Safety and Prevention Efforts
This past year there have been roughly 10.4 million acres burned in the United States from forest fires. While there are many causes of fires and forest management is necessary. We believe a significant number of these fires could be reduced through improved education of the precautions necessary to protect our great wilderness. In general, visitors to the West need improved education on the following:
Awareness. Be aware of the current park regulations with where you are traveling. It is always a good idea to plan ahead and know the availability along with any weather conditions.
Orders. Make an effort to keep in mind that each state and park have governing orders (depending on the season some parks may be closed), especially when traveling through. NPS is currently working closely with governments and health departments to ensure there is an increase in access across the states.
Distance. Be sure to keep the CDC’s Social Distancing Guidelines in mind. Whether you are on a trail, on a campsite/ near a campfire, or in a parking lot stay your distance and be ready to cover your mouth and nose.
Limits. Be respectful with new activities and actions while communities, first responders, and authorities are tending to any emergencies.
Trash. “ leave it better than how you found it,” should be your motto. If you brought it with you then please take it with you when you leave.
As each environment and situation is evolving and changing, here are some precautions to be taken with controlling your campfire and keeping the site safe.
First and foremost, make sure campfires are permitted at the site.
Use the given campfire ring or designated area to keep the campfires under control and contained.
Be aware to keep the camping supplies and vehicle at a safe distance from the campfire.
As a cautionary action, clear all dry brush and any low hanging branches near the campfire.
Try to avoid any campfiress in a dry and windy area, and on windy days.
Never use gasoline or adjacent substances to start a campfire.
Always have a shovel and water nearby.
Do not leave a campfire unattended.
Never burn any trash.
Ensure that the campfire is fully extinguished with water before leaving the campfire.
With over 1.6 billion visitations to National Parks in the last 5 years, National Park Services highly encourage locals and travelers to try the following:
Hazard identification— this is usually an administered fire building inspection to assess and inspect for any recommendations to be extra safe.
Fixed fire protection systems—Have a safe and effective Fire protection systems, including fire sprinklers, working water system, case of water, a travel extinguisher etc.
And most importantly,
Public education—the key is to inform people about the hazards of fires, how to avert them from occurring and how to keep them under control when a fire does occur.
