What Can You Do To Prepare for Fire Season and Prevent Wildfires
By Devon Suarez, Suarez Forestry LLC manager and member of HECHO’s Hispanic Conservation Leadership Council.
Naturally occurring wildfires, such as those ignited by lightning strikes, are an essential part of the ecosystem and play a role in nature's self-cleaning process. However, the majority of wildfires in the United States—about 85%—are caused by human activity.
Wildfires can have catastrophic effects. They can result in loss of life, destruction of property, disruption of wildlife habitats, and impact people's livelihoods. Additionally, wildfires can lead to increased risks of floods and water contamination as an aftermath.
The public must take an active role in preventing wildfires. Actions such as improperly extinguishing a campfire, carelessly dragging chains while driving on the highway, or in some cases practicing target shooting can ignite a wildfire.
While climate change is not the direct cause of wildfires, it contributes to hotter temperatures and severe droughts, which increase the intensity of wildfires, making them easier to spread and more challenging to control.
A high fire risk can lead to forest closures and fire restrictions, which impact everything from access to lands for recreational purposes to hurt local economies.
To help prevent wildfires during fire season, the public should take the following precautions:
Never leave a campsite unattended, and ensure that all fires are fully extinguished before you leave. Follow the burn restrictions and bans set by local authorities.
Check your vehicle and other equipment to ensure they do not generate sparks.
Dispose of cigarettes and matches responsibly.
Clear away brush and remove any flammable materials or combustibles from around your house. This will help create a defensible space for your property.
By taking these simple steps, you can contribute to wildfire prevention.
There are numerous resources and programs available to inform and guide the public, including Firewise USA.
The health of our forests many aspects of our lives, from the air we breathe and the quality of the water we drink to our ability to practice land-based traditions and outdoor activities.
Unfortunately, our forests have been degraded, resulting in overgrown areas filled with unhealthy trees that contribute to wildfires. It’s essential that we take care of our forests.
In addition to doing our part to prevent wildfires, we must advocate for active forest management and urge our leaders to provide adequate funding to maintain our forests in optimal conditions. This will help mitigate the severity of wildfires and reduce their impact on our communities.