Fire Safety Tips

Since people cause most wildfires, we all have a part in preventing them. We can be more careful ourselves, and whoever and wherever we are, we can influence others to use more care with fires.

Safe Campfires

Campfires are permissible in this area without a campfire permit, including within Wilderness areas. Temporary fire restrictions will be enacted as the fire danger warrants. Contact your local fire protection agency for information on closures and restrictions. You are responsible for maintaining a safe campfire and can be held liable for the suppression cost should you cause a wildfire.

Forest fire hazards can be severe in the fall and spring, when dry leaves cover the forest floor. Never leave a campfire unattended, even for a short period of time. When breaking camp, thoroughly douse the fire with water, scatter or bury the cold ashes, and cover the firepit with soil. Scatter any partly burned or unused firewood after it is completely cold.

Although campfires offer warmth and cheer, they can also destroy organic matter in the topsoil and their ash may inhibit plant growth. Blackened rocks, charred wood, and accumulated ash also alter the natural appearance of the site. Lightweight gas stoves are more efficient and faster for cooking than fires, and they leave minimal impact.

• Build campfires away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, rotten stumps, logs, dry grass, and leaves. Pile any extra wood away from the fire.
• Keep plenty of water handy and have a shovel for throwing dirt on the fire if it gets out of control.
• Keep the campfire small. A good bed of coals or a small fire surrounded by rocks give plenty of heat.
• Scrape away litter, duff and any burnable material within a 10-foot diameter circle. This will keep a small campfire from spreading.
• Be sure your match is out. Hold it until it is cold. Break it so you can feel the charred portion before discarding it.
• Never leave a campfire unattended. Even a small breeze could quickly cause the fire to spread.
• Drown the fire with water. Make sure all embers, coals and sticks are wet. Move rocks, there may be burning embers underneath. Stir the remains, add more water, and stir again. Be sure all burned material has been extinguished and cooled. If you do not have water, use dirt. Mix enough soil and sand with the embers. Continue adding and stirring until all material is cooled. Feel all materials with your bare hand. Make sure that no roots are burning. Do not bury your coals— they can smolder and break out.

Smoking

When smoking is permitted outdoors, safe practice requires at least a 3-foot clearing around the smoker. Grind out your cigarette, cigar, or pipe tobacco in the dirt. Never grind it on a stump or log. It is unsafe to smoke while walking or riding a horse or trail bike. Use your ashtray while in your vehicle, and don’t empty the ashtray on the ground.