How You Can Prevent Wildfires

Nine out of ten wildfires are caused by humans. That means nine out of ten wildfires can be prevented.

Wildfires are unplanned and unwanted fires that are very dangerous to people who use forests and outdoor areas or live in nearby homes and communities. Wildfires also wreak havoc on our natural environment, harming plants and animals, and their habitat.

Unlike many natural disasters, most wildfires are caused by people – and can be prevented by people, too. The easiest and cheapest way to suppress a fire is before it starts. The Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) maintains a multi-faceted program of fire prevention, which includes person-to-person contacts, media contacts, exhibits, fire prevention programs to schools, and presentations to civic organizations and other groups. The aim of these efforts is to keep the public “fire prevention conscious”. The programs encourage cooperation with public agencies with similar goals and inform the general public of current and potential wildfire danger.

Smokey Bear’s Rules of Fire Prevention

Smokey Bear has been a champion for wildfire prevention since 1944. Although his look has evolved over the years, his message endures: “Only you can prevent wildfires.”

To help protect our forests, remember Smokey’s Five Rules of Wildfire Prevention:

  1. Only you can prevent wildfires.
  2. Always be careful with fire.
  3. Never play with matches or lighters.
  4. Always watch your campfire.
  5. Make sure your campfire is completely out before leaving it.

Smokey’s rules don’t just apply to campfires; they are good rules to remember for any fire.

Visit Smokey Bear’s website for more wildfire prevention tips.

Read more about Smokey Bear’s fire prevention efforts in Virginia.

Practice Safe Debris Burning

Escaped debris burning is a prime cause of wildfires in Virginia. VDOF works to educate citizens about when, where, and how to safely burn debris.

Read more about safe debris burning.

Practice Vehicle Safety

Motorists are responsible for many of the wildfires sparked along our roadways.  Nearly all of these fire starts could be prevented by following these safety rules:

  • Secure Chains – Practice safe towing. Dragging chains throw sparks. Use appropriate safety pins and hitch ball to secure chains.
  • No Dragging Parts – Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained, with nothing dragging on the ground.
  • Check Tire Pressure – Maintain proper tire pressure. Driving on exposed wheel rims will throw sparks.
  • Fire Extinguisher – Carry a fire extinguisher in your vehicle and learn how to use it.
  • Don’t Drive your Vehicle onto Dry Grass or Brush – Hot exhaust pipes and mufflers can start fires that you won’t even see — until it’s too late!
  • Properly Maintain Brakes – Brakes worn too thin may cause metal-to-metal contact, which can cause a spark.

Additional Resources

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