Forests are a national treasure. They provide homes to wildlife, trails for hikers to explore, along with oxygen for us to breathe. When a forest fire occurs, people, businesses, animals, and residences are in danger along with acres of trees. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, there were 50,477 wildland fires, affecting 4,664,364 acres in 2019. In 2015, over 10 million acres burned. 

It’s estimated that around 80% of wildfires are preventable. Follow these guidelines to keep our forests safe:

• Only start a campfire/bonfire in an appropriate fire pit, away from vegetation, and ringed by stones
• Do not start a fire in windy conditions
• Only burn yard waste if it’s permissible by your municipality
• Keep flammable objects away from fires
• Never leave any fire unattended
• Completely douse fire with water and then smother with dirt before leaving
• Always dispose of used matches and cigarette butts in a container of water or in a closed container
• Always keep lighters and matches out of reach of children