Week 4: Be the Spark Stopper – Actions You Can Take to Prevent Wildfires

Welcome to the final week of Wildfire Awareness Month! We've covered understanding our risk, preparing our homes and families, and the power of community action. This week, we're focusing on something incredibly important: the actions each and every one of us can take to prevent wildfires from starting in the first place. Remember, a significant number of wildfires are human-caused, meaning they are preventable. Let's all be responsible and become spark stoppers!

Outdoor Activities and Fire Safety

Colorado's great outdoors beckons us, especially as the weather warms up. But it's crucial to be mindful of fire safety during all our outdoor activities:

• Campfires:

  • Always check local fire restrictions before building a campfire. Red flag warnings mean no open flames are allowed.

  • Build campfires in designated fire rings or pits, away from dry vegetation and overhanging branches.

  • Clear a 10-foot radius around the fire pit down to bare soil.

  • Never leave a campfire unattended, even for a moment.

  • When extinguishing a fire, drown it with water until it's cool to the touch. Stir the ashes to ensure no embers remain. If you don't have water, use dirt and stir thoroughly.

• Barbecues and Outdoor Cooking:

  • Use grills on non-flammable surfaces, away from dry grass and vegetation.

  • Keep a fire extinguisher or water source nearby.

  • Dispose of charcoal briquettes properly in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid after they have completely cooled.

• Smoking:

  • Never toss cigarette butts on the ground. Ensure they are completely extinguished in a proper ashtray.

  • Be especially careful when smoking in dry, windy conditions.

• Operating Equipment:

  • Maintain vehicles and equipment to prevent sparks. Ensure mufflers and exhaust systems are in good working order.

  • Be cautious when operating chainsaws, lawnmowers, and other power equipment, especially during dry periods. Avoid using them during the hottest parts of the day. Keep a fire extinguisher and shovel nearby.

  • When towing trailers, ensure chains and other metal parts are secured to prevent dragging and creating sparks.

Around Your Home: Preventing Fires Before They Start

Even around your property, there are crucial steps you can take:

• Proper Disposal of Yard Waste: Never burn leaves, pine needles, or other yard debris unless it's permitted by local regulations and you follow strict safety precautions. Consider composting or using local disposal services.

• Storing Flammable Materials Safely: Store gasoline, propane, and other flammable liquids in approved containers away from your home and other structures.

• Maintaining Driveways and Walkways: Keep these areas clear of dry grass and weeds that could ignite from hot exhaust pipes.

• Being Mindful of Fireworks: Many wildfires are started by fireworks. Be aware of local regulations and use extreme caution, or better yet, attend professional fireworks displays.

Education and Awareness

One of the most powerful tools in wildfire prevention is education. Talk to your family, friends, and neighbors about wildfire safety. The more aware we all are, the safer our communities will be.

Every Action Counts

Preventing wildfires is a shared responsibility, and every action, no matter how small, can make a difference. By being mindful of our activities and taking simple precautions, we can significantly reduce the risk of devastating wildfires.

This Wildfire Awareness Month, let's all commit to being spark stoppers. By working together, we can protect our beautiful Colorado landscapes and communities.

What steps will you take this week and beyond to prevent wildfires? Share your commitment in the comments below!