Wildfire Prevention: Protecting Natural Wonders for Future
The number and severity of wildfires have increased thanks to climate change. While many result from natural causes such as lightning strikes, human behavior has led to the overall imbalance — and sometimes, directly sparks blazes. Knowing how to prevent wildfires and practicing sound wildfire safety is a must for everyone, not only those residing in high-risk areas. Here’s what you and your family should know about wildfire prevention.
The Increasing Risk of Wildfires
By the halfway point of 2024, more than 20,000 wildfires had already destroyed 2 million acres across the United States. Extreme wildfires have doubled in frequency and magnitude over the past 20 years, increasing the need for stronger wildfire prevention measures.
Fires can sometimes be beneficial, returning nutrients to the soil. Controlled burns are a large part of wildfire safety and management across the Western U.S. However, the problem isn’t only here. People worldwide need to take stronger measures to prevent wildfires. For example, December of 2023 sparked countless bushfires across Western Australia much earlier than the danger season typically begins.
Wildfire Prevention: What to Know When You Need to Go
In June of 2024, residents near Roswell, New Mexico, fled a pair of wildfires that killed at least two people and destroyed an estimated 1,400 homes and businesses. Part of wildfire safety is having a go-bag at the ready for you, your family and pets so that you can evacuate when seconds count. It can happen in an instant, as those who remember the 2018 Camp Fire, which killed 85 people and destroyed 18,804 structures in the town of Paradise, California.
Add the following items to a go-bag you keep in your vehicle or other readily accessible place as part of your wildfire prevention strategy:
- Hygiene supplies, including basic camp soap, dental care, lotion and lip care
- A change of clothes and several pairs of socks and underwear
- Three day’s worth of water and a day’s worth of food, which is why keeping these items in your car makes sense. Plan on 1 gallon of water (approximately 1 liter of water) per person per day.
- Copies of important documents, like your insurance coverage, banking, credit card and mortgage information. Alternatively, store them in the Cloud for electronic access. Also, upload vaccination records for all pets, as you may need them to secure emergency lodging.
- Medications, including prescriptions. Ask your doctor about a two-week emergency supply or use a mail service like Jace Case.
You also need a plan. Wildfires rarely strike at convenient times, as survivors of the Camp Fire well know. You might be at work while your kids are at school. Figure out how you will communicate, ensure all family members have devices and backup chargers so they can do so and choose a safe meeting location away from home if you get evacuation orders while separated.
How to Prevent Wildfires: 7 Crucial Wildfire Safety Tips
Learning how to prevent wildfires entails a combination of preparedness and knowing which behaviors to avoid.
1. Quit Smoking
Some people still toss cigarettes out their car windows, which can easily spark a blaze, as can doing so outside.
2. Gear Up
Buildings in high-risk areas should always be equipped with smoke detectors, alarms and a sprinkler system if possible. When traveling, make sure to locate the nearest fire extinguisher, or bring one with you if traveling somewhere one will not be readily available.
3. Be Campfire Safe
Even if you love nothing more than cooking over an open fire, check first. Heed area fire restrictions, including when using your back porch grill.
4. Clear the Tinder
Rake up leaves, twigs and other debris around your home and clear away scrub grasses, which act like gasoline. Trim tree branches away from your roof, and don’t store firewood against your house.
5. Maintain Your Vehicle and Tow Correctly
Countless fires start along country highways when the chains from improperly towed vehicles drag along the ground, creating a spark. Learn how to hook up your trailer correctly so only rubber meets the road.
6. Keep Your Toys Off Dry Grass
When riding your quads and dirt bikes, stay away from dry grass. It only takes one spark.
7. Report Unattended Blazes
You should call 911 immediately if you spot a blaze — don’t rely on other drivers or observers.
How to Prevent Wildfires
Wildfire prevention matters more than ever, as climate change has increased their frequency and magnitude. Practice sound wildfire safety when recreating and learn how to prevent wildfires around your home — and what to do if one ignites.
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Jack Shaw has spent over five years writing freelance and seeing as much of the world as he can. He has a distinct love of traveling and exploring new cultures and encourages others to do the same while minimizing their own impact. Writings about his experiences can be found on Modded, Trekaroo, EcoHotels and more.
