Wildfires and Their Management
Whether natural or human-caused, wildfires can be devastating. Despite our best efforts, wildfires are still a major problem in the United States.
These fires can destroy homes, crops and other property and kill animals. They also release smoke into the air that makes breathing difficult. Preventing Wildfires
Wildfires are a natural part of the environment, but they can also be caused by human activity. They cause significant property damage and destroy natural areas, including forests, grasslands and prairies. They are a growing threat due to climate change and they can be devastating, not only for the environment but for communities as well.
Fires can be difficult to control and they are prone to spreading quickly, so it is important to be prepared in case one does occur in your area. Follow the tips below to help prevent a wildfire from threatening your home or family.
Avoid burning yard waste, trash and other debris that can ignite dry vegetation in your area. Burning fireworks or other combustible items outside is also a risk factor for large fires.
During times of drought, lightning strikes can ignite dry vegetation, sparking a wildfire that spreads uncontrollably. Campfires, cigarette smoke and vehicle exhaust can also ignite nearby vegetation in dry conditions.
For decades, wildfire ecologists have recommended fuels reduction, or thinning, as an effective way to protect forests from severe fires. The practice includes both mechanical removal of small trees and shrubs as well as prescribed burning, the purposeful introduction of fire under favorable conditions.
These methods can significantly reduce the likelihood of fires occurring in certain areas of forests and reducing damage to natural resources and communities. However, these efforts are still controversial and are sometimes fought by nearby residents who may see the practices as a threat.
Many areas of forest are now protected by land management plans that require fuels reduction. These plans include removing dead or dying branches, cutting down pine cones, pruning trees, clearing brush, and ensuring that electrical wires do not contact trees or shrubs.
Keep shrubs and bushes at least 6'-10' off the ground to reduce the chance of flames jumping between them. Mow your lawn regularly and remove all flammable materials, such as leaves, pine needles, or other dry plant material that can become fuel for a wildfire.
Use a sprinkler system to keep weeds and other dry plants at bay. Check your spark arresters, which are devices designed to stop sparks from igniting combustible material, twice a year. Planning for a Wildfire
If you live in a wildfire area, it’s important to plan ahead. This can help reduce your risk, protect your family and home from damage and save lives in the event of a fire.
Planning for a wildfire can include reducing fuels in your community, preparing your home to withstand a wildfire and making sure you are ready to evacuate. The Forest Service and other agencies also have resources to help you do this.
One way to begin planning for your community is to develop a CWPP. This plan outlines the steps your community will take to reduce wildland “fuels,” educate your community and improve the local community response to fire.
A CWPP is developed by a committee of town/village officials, representatives from public agencies and private groups. This committee meets on a regular basis to plan and implement wildfire preparedness projects in your community.
Once the CWPP is developed, the town/village then adopts it and begins working on projects to reduce fuels, educate your community and improve the local response to fire. The CWPP is a document that can be used by the town/village and other communities in your region.
For more information on reducing fuels in your community, check out the USDA Forest Service’s National Fire Plan or visit their website to learn about their progress in implementing the Wildfire Crisis Strategy (leer en espanol). You can also read about how the agency is addressing this threat by exploring an online tool that shows hazardous fuels reduction projects in support of the strategy.
Using the National Fire Plan and other agency policy, Forest Service staff have focused on a risk-based and shared-stewardship approach to managing wildfire risks in our forests and grasslands. This is a different approach to management that will lead to healthier, more resilient forests and communities.
To further our efforts to protect life, property and resources, the Forest Service launched a robust 10-year strategy to address wildfire risk across America’s landscapes. This strategy will dramatically increase the scale and pace of Forest Service treatments, while supporting a safer and more strategic response to fire-prone landscapes. Fighting a Wildfire
A wildfire is a dangerous, natural disaster that can kill people, destroy homes and properties and take away wildlife habitat. As a result, it is crucial to manage fires to reduce their impact on humans and the environment.
The first step in fighting a wildfire is detection. This is often done through smoke detection cameras and lookout towers that are positioned near where the fire is burning. If a wildfire is found, crews, helicopters and fire engines are dispatched to the area.
Upon arriving on the scene, the Incident Commander, or IC, sizes up the situation to decide how best to attack the fire. This involves assessing fuels, terrain, weather, fire size and other factors that may affect how the fire behaves.
Once the IC has determined the best strategy, crews move in and start to work on suppressing the fire. This can be by using water from fire engines or helicopters to extinguish hot spots in the ground.
This helps keep the fire from spreading and keeps firefighters safe as they work to contain the fire. After all, the main goal is to stop a fire before it spreads too far or reaches populated areas.
After a fire is fully contained, ground crews work to mop up the burnt areas and clear them of debris. This is called Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER).
While BAER is not always necessary, it can be a very important step in ensuring that a burnt area can recover after the fire. It is especially important in remote areas where natural recovery is not possible, such as on lands that have been burned by volcanic eruptions.
Another way to prevent a wildfire is to use machinery and grazing animals to remove vegetation from high-risk areas. This can be done in a number of ways, from removing fuels to establishing control lines that divide up the land and make it less likely for wildfires to spread.
As well as preventing fires, the Forest Service works with partners to fight and control them when they do occur. It is a very complex task and is not an easy one. Evacuating During a Wildfire
Evacuations are a crucial part of preventing and responding to wildfires. They help firefighting teams quickly move into dangerous areas to begin putting out the flames. firescout
To evacuate, you need to be aware of your local emergency plan and make sure everyone in your home knows what to do. You can also sign up for alerts and warnings on your phone or other devices, as well as social media channels.
When you hear of an evacuation order, listen to the radio or TV for instructions and prepare your escape route. Identify alternate routes and have an evacuation kit ready to take with you.
In addition, be sure to take stock of your personal belongings before the fire breaks out so you can pack up and leave. If your belongings include sensitive information, such as a medical history or financial documents, store them in a fireproof safe.
You should also have a fire extinguisher on hand, so you can put out any small fires that might start while you're outside. If you're staying in a building, close all doors and windows to prevent smoke from entering your home.
If you're on foot, go low and stay away from flammable materials, including trees, branches, bushes and weeds. Cover your head with a hat or bandana, and wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, boots, gloves, and a waterproof jacket (preferably made of cotton or wool).
Before you begin to walk, make sure you have a water supply. You may need to use it if you get lost or find yourself in danger.
Once you're outside, try to find a low spot where you can lie down and cover yourself with water, dirt, mud or nonflammable fabric. This will reduce the risk of inhaling toxic smoke and help you breathe more easily.
It's also a good idea to have a first aid kit with some medical supplies, like a hand sanitizer or bandages, in case you become injured during the evacuation.
The best way to stay safe is to follow your community's emergency plan and prepare for a wildfire. It can help you avoid disaster and save your life if it's possible.
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