Top 5 Simple Tips For Preventing Forest Fires

Forest fires are very detrimental to our planet’s lungs, and we can void them by following some easy rules. If you live in drought and dry seasons like Australia, California, or even Texas, you ought to be careful with forest fires. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and let’s learn some simple and practical tips to avoid and prevent forest fires.

1. How to avoid forest fires?

Most citizens probably don’t know this, but it is forbidden to throw a cigarette butt on the side of the road when driving along forests, woods, or pine forests. Similarly, dropping a cigarette while walking or hiking is prohibited.

Beyond cigarettes, barbecuing in the wilderness can also lead to fires. The authorities do not recommend lighting a barbecue within 200 meters of a wooded area to avoid such a result. Some prefectures even go so far as to prohibit its use by decree. It is therefore advisable to opt for gas barbecues rather than charcoal ones.

2. No fires or barbecues near forests

It seems obvious, but never light a fire in or near the forest, especially during hot and dry periods, even if it is a barbecue: an ember is enough to ignite the vegetation. There may also be local regulations concerning barbecues, even for those who wish to use them in their own garden. Therefore, it is necessary to find out about the decisions taken by the department’s prefecture to know the regulations on barbecues.

3. Be careful with cigarette buds

We can’t say it enough:

• In high-risk regions, don’t smoke in wooded areas, and even less in the middle of summer. The ashes can cause fires to start.
• Don’t throw your cigarettes out of the car window when driving.
• In general, do not leave any waste behind when you are in the forest to avoid all risks because they can ignite or cause fires.

If you are a smoker, do your due diligence and discard your used cigarette safely, especially during the dry season, as this will prevent any wildfires. Never throw a lit cigarette or match out the window of your car, especially in the woods and make sure these items are completely extinguished prior to throwing them out. And throw them in the proper receptacle. 

4. Read before going on hikes and walks

When on vacation, especially during the summer, preparing your route for a walk in the forest is imperative. Because of the heat and the wind, fires can spread very quickly. Some prefectures may therefore decide to close certain forest areas to the public.

If you live in Florida, Texas, or California, then you ought to be careful during the dry or drought season because fires spread really quickly during this period. In the United States, there has been an average annual of 71 300 wildfires, and these burnt on average 6.9 acres of forest; this study was conducted from 2000 to 2019. 

Avoid using fires works during the dry season because their sparks can ignite and start the subsequent enormous wildfires; let’s not have another El Dorado fire situation by having a gender reveal party during the dry season because sometimes we need to use our grey matter before doing something. 

If you are to light fireworks, then do so in a clear area with no wood nearby and check the local authorities and any state legislation and restrictions when it comes to fireworks and the dry season. 

5. Respect marked paths and prohibitions

When you walk, make sure you respect the marked paths. Don’t venture into the woods or roads closed to the public: they are closed for a good reason. Fires spread quickly, so you can find yourself trapped in the middle of flames in the blink of an eye.

The same goes for camping sites:

• Only pitch your tent in authorized areas.
• Park your vehicle on a non-combustible surface (asphalt, stones), but not on grass: it could catch fire from the exhaust pipe.
• Leave the forest roads accessible: the emergency services must be able to circulate there in case of a problem.

Final thoughts

For all your bushfire risk assessments, call Land Management Systems now. Because we need to protect our planet’s lungs and because bushfires are the second cause of forest depletion, the number one being deforestation, of course. So for all your bushfire assessment needs, Land Management Systems is here to provide their extensive experience n the matter. So, what are you waiting for? Contact them now for all your risk management and consultancy need. We are only one phone call away!