As the summer gets closer, wildfires can become a problem. While we often hear about them in the southwest and on the west coast, they can happen in any area of the country. There are some naturally occurring wild fires, but the majority are caused by people carelessly using fire while in the wilderness. In fact, humans are responsible for 90% of wildfires.
Here are some tips to help you avoid starting a wildfire:
- Don’t store flammable liquids or substances near your home.
- Make sure your family has a fire evacuation plan.
- Obey outdoor burning bans. This is especially critical in rural areas.
- Keep your lawnmower and any other outdoor equipment in good working order.
- Report any suspicious activities to your local law enforcement and fire officials.
- Don’t weld outdoors unless you have a spotter, a bucket of water and a shovel.
We can keep our communities, families and environment safe by using common sense precautions. It is the responsibility of everyone.