Prevention

Nationally, 9 out of 10 wildfires are caused by human activity. These wildfires can devastate communities, risking lives, destroying property and infrastructure as well as critical resources like wildlife habitat, watersheds and recreational areas. Every wildfire, no matter the size puts our fire fighters at risk.

That is why land management agencies like the Boise National Forest need the public’s help to prevent wildfires. Whether it’s ensuring a campfire is completely extinguished, or keeping vehicles well maintained to prevent sparks, following just a few simple steps can help prevent wildfires.

Here are steps you can take during your visit to help us protect the forest and prevent unwanted wildfires.

Reminder: Fireworks, exploding targets, incendiary or tracer ammunition are never allowed on National Forests at any time.

Building, Maintaining and Extinguishing a Campfire

Before having a campfire be aware of the weather conditions, campfires are not recommended during hot, dry and windy conditions. Be sure the forest is not in fire restrictions by checking the Boise National Forest Alerts page.

Building:

• Select a level open site that is free from fuels such as overhanging branches, brush and grass.
• Clear an area at least 5 feet around the fire, scrape away grass, needles and leaves down to mineral soil. Build a rock ring around the fire to help contain it.
• The fire should be built no larger than necessary for cooking or personal warmth, do not let burning logs extend from campfire providing pathway for escape.

Maintaining:

• Keep a shovel and a bucket of water nearby at all times.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Don’t burn dangerous items, aerosol or pressurized cans may explode, plastics, glass and aluminum will release dangerous chemicals you don’t want to inhale.

Extinguishing:

• When possible, allow wood to burn down to ash.
• Use the Drown, Stir, Feel Method – Drown with water, Stir the ash and embers to ensure everything gets wet and cool to the touch. Feel the area with the back of your hand to ensure nothing is still hot.
• REMEMBER: If it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave the fire!

Vehicle Use

Motorists are responsible for many of the wildfires sparked along our roads and trails. Nearly all of these fire starts could be prevented by following these safety rules.

Dragging Vehicle Parts Causes Sparks:

• Practice safe towing, dragging chains throw sparks, use appropriate safety pins, hitch ball and chain covers to secure chains reducing potential for wildfire ignitions.
• Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained with nothing dragging on the ground.

Vehicle Maintenance:

• Maintain proper tire pressure. Driving on exposed wheel rims will throw sparks.
• Brakes worn too thin may cause metal to metal contact, which can cause a spark.
• Check fluid levels, overheating can cause a vehicle fire which may spread to vegetation nearby causing a wildfire.

Vehicle Operation:

• Don’t drive or park your vehicle onto dry grass or brush, hot exhaust pipes and mufflers can start fires that you won’t even see until it’s too late!
• If you experience a vehicle emergency be aware of where you pull over, find a place out of the lane of traffic but free of burnable material to avoid starting a wildfire.
• Carry a fire extinguisher in an easily accessible location and know how to use it.

For more information on these topics, along with additional resources and other tips on how to prevent wildfires please visit:

• Idaho Department of Lands
• Smokey Bear