A sign on a sagebrush landscape reading BE PREPARED FOR WILDFIRE
 

Fire Prevention  

Every year, human-caused wildfires account for an average 85% of all wildfires in the United States. Though most of these fires are caused by accidents, many of them can be prevented.

BLM Fire partners with numerous organizations to bring crucial fire prevention messaging to wider audiences. Some of the products resulting from these collaborations can be found below. 

 

Spark Safety, Not Wildfires with the Pioneer Baseball League

Step up to the plate with the Bureau of Land Management and the Pioneer Baseball League teams in a united effort to prevent wildfires! Through the “Spark Safety, Not Wildfires” campaign, we’re reaching fans across California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and Utah with engaging fire prevention messages. The campaign combines eye-catching posters and digital graphics that highlight our shared commitment to safety. Whether at the ballpark or in your backyard, these messages remind us all to play a part in protecting our communities from wildfires. Together, it takes all of us to keep the game safe, for both the players and the land we cherish. Download the posters and social media graphics here. 

 

Spark Safety Not Wildfires campaign in partnership with the Pioneer League.
 

Spark Safety, Not Wildfires with Maverik

BLM Fire mitigation and education specialists in Nevada, Utah, and Idaho partnered with regional gas station chain Maverik, "Adventure’s First Stop", to create memorable public service announcement videos that celebrate the culture of the western United States with creative fire prevention messaging. Campfire safety messages were also placed on firewood bundles sold at Maverik stores. Watch the full collection of videos here. 

 

Fire Preparedness Videos

This is one of 22 Wildfire Preparedness videos available to download from Flickr and share. 

 

Tips for Preventing Wildfires

Campfires

Campfires are a special outdoor experience, but every year escaped campfires become serious wildfires. Here are some tips to prevent your campfire from turning into a wildfire:

  • Keep it small. Campfires can provide plenty of heat and light with only a few logs no larger than your forearm.
  • Build your fire in an official fire ring. If no ring exists, build your fire in an area clear of vegetation, with no overhanging branches.
  • Before going to bed or leaving the area, make sure your campfire is completely out. Douse with at least one bucket of water, stir, douse again, and stir again. Your campfire should be cool to the touch before you leave your campsite.

Vehicles

Fires related to vehicles are increasingly common. Follow these simple tips to avoid starting a wildfire with your vehicle:

  • Remember that your exhaust can reach temperatures of 1000+ degrees! Driving or parking over dry grass often starts wildfires.
  • Vehicles can shoot sparks from their exhaust, particularly vehicles that haven’t received regular mechanical maintenance. Make sure your vehicle is current on all mechanical checkups.
  • Be prepared. Carry a shovel and a fire extinguisher in your vehicle.
  • Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) must have a spark arrestor, and should carry a shovel (at least 24"x 6") with a steel blade and a bucket.

Trailers

  • Make sure your trailer is roadworthy.  Broken down trailers start dozens of wildfires each year. Check that the tires are not worn and are properly inflated, the bearings and axles have been greased, and safety chains are in place and not dragging on the ground.
  • Don’t overload your trailer. Be sure to check your rear view mirrors often to make sure your trailer has not blown a tire, causing it to drag and throw sparks.
  • An annual trailer tune-up is usually less than $100.00 - well worth it to protect your investment and prevent a potentially catastrophic wildfire.

Burning Debris

People often burn leaves, agricultural waste, or other materials on their private land (note that it is illegal to burn plastics, food trash, and trade waste). If you plan to burn, follow these simple tips:

  • Contact your local fire department before your burn to avoid unnecessary wildfire alerts and learn about any restrictions that may be in place.
  • Place your burn barrel or burn pile at least 25 feet away from structures or vegetation.
  • Have water (such as a garden hose) nearby, and postpone your burn if it is windy.
  • If using a burn barrel, place a metal screen spark arrester (with openings smaller than ½ inch) on top of the barrel. This will prevent sparks and embers from flying out.
  • Keep debris piles small. Large debris piles burn at higher temperatures and throw more embers and sparks.
  • When you are finished, “mop up” the ashes with water and stirring. Wildfires often start from “holdover” debris piles that were not properly extinguished, days or even weeks after they were burned.

Equipment Use

  • Chainsaws, grinding tools, and welding tools are examples of equipment that can generate sparks.
  • Operators should use fire retardant shields capable of containing all sparks.
  • Operators should designate one person per cutter/grinder as a fire spotter during operations.
  • Make sure you never operate equipment that produces sparks near dry vegetation. Always have a cleared area around your workspace. This area should be larger if it is windy and dry.

Fireworks

Fireworks cause wildfires every year. Follow these tips to prevent your celebration from becoming the next community emergency:

  • Check your local federal, state, and city fireworks regulations before using fireworks.
  • Use fireworks in parking lots, driveways, and gravel or dirt areas, away from flammable vegetation and buildings.
  • Keep a bucket of water, wet towel, and a garden hose nearby.
  • Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks themselves. Sparklers, considered by many to be "safe", burn at very high temperatures and can easily ignite clothing.
  • Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks. Never shoot a firework at or near another person.
  • Never try to re-light fireworks that have not fully functioned. Douse and soak them with water and throw them away.
  • Let spent fireworks cool, then soak them in water before disposing of debris.
  • After you finish, clean up all debris.  Be sure all unused fireworks, matches and lighters are out of the sight and reach of children.