Outdoor Activity Fire Prevention

Check for local fire restrictions before going camping.

Keep a shovel and water available.

Build campfires in an area free from litter, grass, and other flammable material.

Use a campfire ring when possible.

Keep fire small and controllable.

Never leave a campfire unattended.

Drown all campfires and charcoal with water and stir until ashes are cold to the touch.

Make sure the campfire is DEAD OUT before leaving the site.

Build debris piles away from structures, vegetation, power lines or other flammable material.

Cover piles and wait until after it rains to burn.

Clear litter and grass at least 5 feet away from piles.

Keep piles small and free of dirt.

If burning debris in a barrel, cover top with a 1/2 inch or less mesh screen.

Never leave a burning debris pile unattended.

Make sure the pile is DEAD OUT before leaving the site.

Drown all campfires and charcoal with water and stir.

Keep fires small and controllable.

Never leave a campfire unattended.

Completely extinguish all cooking and warming fires, even if you're leaving camp for a short period of time.

Bring water, bucket, and shovel. Drown and stir campfire with water until ashes are cold to the touch.

Be sure the fire is dead out before you leave.

Limit use of motorized vehicles to established roads or trails.

Do not park vehicles over dry grass or brush - hot exhaust systems can start fires.

Check ATV's and chainsaws for required spark arrestors.

Smoke only in enclosed vehicles and buildings, or in areas clear of flammable vegetation.

Use an ashtray and completely extinguish cigarette butts.

Before visiting the forest, check with local agencies to find out if fire restrictions are in effect.

1. Vehicle

Never park or drive any vehicle through dry grass.

Grease wheel bearings, check tires, and secure safety chains on trailers.

All ATV/OHV's require a properly functioning spark arrestor.

Check and clean the spark arrestor.

Carry a fire extinguisher.

Use an ashtray; Completely extinguish cigarettes.

2. Equipment

Sparks from chainsaws, welding torches, and other equipment can cause wildfires.

Please check local restrictions before using such equipment.

Keep a fire extinguisher and shovel readily available at all times.

Install and maintain an effectively working spark arrestor.

Allow a hot saw to cool down before refueling.

Refuel a chainsaw in an area free of flammable material.

Clean gas and oil off the chainsaw after refueling.

Never place a hot chainsaw on any flammable material.

 A spark arrestor is a mechanical device that traps or destroys hot exhaust particles from an internal combustion engine.

All equipment with internal combustion engines, except highway passenger vehicles, require spark arrestors.

Make sure that an effectively working spark arrestor is properly maintained and properly installed.

Keep a shovel and fire extinguisher readily available when operating equipment.

Let equipment cool down before refueling.

Refuel equipment in an area free of flammable material.

Avoid striking rocks with equipment. Blades can start a fire.

All off-highway vehicles are required to have an effectively working spark arrestor.