Be More Fire Safe
Nationwide 84% of wildfires are caused by people.
You can help to prevent wildfires by learning how to:
Use outdoor equipment safely
- Properly maintain your vehicle and tow safely
- Target shoot responsibly
Equipment Safety
Lawn mowers, weedeaters, chain saws, grinders, welders, tractors, and trimmers can all spark a wildland fire. Do your part, the right way, to keep your community fire safe.
- Mow before 10 a.m., but never when it’s windy or excessively dry.
- Keep the exhaust system, spark arresters and mower in proper working order and free of carbon buildup.
- Use the recommended grade of fuel and don’t top it off.
- Don’t drive your vehicle onto dry grass or brush.
Video: Off Highway Vehicle Safety
Vehicle & Towing Safety
Motorists are responsible for many of the wildfires sparked along the raodways. Nearly all of these fires could be prevented by following these safety rules.
- Secure safety chains on all towing equipment.
- Use appropriate safety pins and hitchball to secure chains.
- Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained:
- Proper tire pressure can prevent a blowout, exposed wheel rims will throw sparks.
- Properly maintain breaks, breaks work too think can cause metal to metal contact which can cause sparks.
- Avoid parking or driving in dry grass and brush. Hot exhaust pipes and mufflers can start a fire.
Video: Trailer Safety
Target Shooting Safety
Careless shooting can cause fires. If it's dry, hot and windy; save your ammo.
- Avoid shooting into rocks or metal objects and place targets in areas that are free of vegetation.
- Always have water, a shovel and a fire extinguisher ready in case a fire starts.
- Clean up all your targets and shells when you're finished shooting and pack them out.
- Exploding targets, incendiary rounds and tracer ammunition are illegal on all public lands
Video: Target Shooting Safety