One who has felt the warmth of a fire and enjoyed its friendly light knows that fire is not always a devastating blaze.  Fire, along with air, water and earth, was considered a basic element by our ancestors. Long ago they learned to use and control fire,  It was, perhaps, their first tool.

Most people are careful with fire.  they build their fires in the right places and at the right time.  They keep them the proper size and put them out before leaving them.  

But forest fires raging, out of control - wildfires - are an awesome and terrifying sight.  They have aroused fear from earliest times.  the damage they do is appalling, and this wasteful burning goes on year after year.  The best way to keep forest fire damage low is to keep forest fires from getting started.  

This page will provide a few tips to help you enjoy fire safely outdoors.  

For more information contact your local fire agency.

Debris

Lanterns and Stoves

If you burn debris, do it safely.

Cool all lanterns, stoves and heaters before refueling.

Check local laws on burning.

Place them on the ground in a cleared area and fill them.

Consider alternatives for burning.  Some items may be more valuable as compost,  and others can be recycled.

Recap and store flammable liquid containers in a safe place.  Never light lanterns or stoves inside a tent, trailer or camper.

Check the weather - don't burn on windy days.

Always read and follow instructions from the manufacturer.

Household Trash

Spark Arresters

If you must burn trash, don't pile it on the ground.  It will not burn completely and it will easily blow away.

All types of equipment and vehicles are required to have spark arresters.  

Never attempt to burn aerosol cans; heated cans will explode.  Flying metal from an exploding can might cause an injury.  burning trash scattered by such an explosion has caused the spread of many fires.

To be sure your spark arresters are working properly check with the dealer or contact your local Forest Service or State Forestry office.

Smoking

Charcoal Briquettes

When smoking is permitted outdoors, safe practices require at least a 3-foot clearing around the smoker.

After using the burning charcoal briquettes, "dunk 'em!" Soak the coals with lots of water; stir them and soak them again.

Grind out your cigarette, cigar or pipe tobacco into the dirt. 

Be sure they are out cold!  Feel them with your hands to be sure.

Agricultural Residue and Forest Litter

Be sure you are fully prepared before burning off your field or garden spot.  To control the fire, you will need a source of water, a bucket, and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire. 

If possible, a fire line should be plowed around the area to be burned.  Large fields should be separated into small plots.  Stay until the fire is finished burning.

Before doing any burning in a wooded area, contact your local forester.

Stay until the fire is finished burning

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