REGION- The USDA Forest Service sees an increase in fireworks related wildfires each year nationwide during the weeks before and after Independence Day. The Forest Service reminds visitors and residents that fireworks are strictly prohibited and cannot be possessed, used, or discharged anywhere within all National Forest System Lands regardless of weather conditions or holidays. Campfires must be dead out and cold to the touch. Be smart! Don’t let a wildfire start!
All regulations relating to fireworks are strictly enforced and each violation is punishable as a misdemeanor by a fine or imprisonment of not more than six months, or both. Violators can also be liable for suppression costs and property damage, which can climb into the millions if the fire grows out of control.
“There’s no better way to celebrate America’s independence than to explore your national forests,” said Huron-Manistee National Forests Public Affairs Officer Travis Owens. “But fireworks pose a substantial wildfire risk and should be left at home.” Fireworks are not the only wildfire ignition source this time of year.
A reported ninety-eight percent of the Forests’ wildfires are human-caused and preventable. Sparks from equipment motors, welding and grinding, exploding targets, dragging chains and low tire pressure where rims are touching the ground are all risks that can lead to wildfire ignitions. “We also see a lot more campfires in dispersed and even developed sites left smoldering and unattended,” said Wildfire Prevention and Mitigation Education Specialist D-A Brabazon. “Campfire safety is paramount through the summer months. The landscape may look green, but wildfires can occur any time the ground is not completely snow-covered,” Brabazon added.
Dispersed campers need to examine their campsite before building a warming or cooking fire. Look up, down and all around before building the firepit. Radiant heat can dry out vegetation along the ground while convective heat can dry out limbs of trees above the firepit. Keeping your fire small not tall and to the size of the intended use will help prevent a wildfire. Conductive heat beneath the fire pit can damage or ignite root systems below the topsoil.
“Campfires should never be left unattended to burn out on their own. Always Drown. Stir. Feel. Repeat, until the fire is dead out and cold to the touch. Dead out means no hissing, crackling, popping or steam emanating from the pit,” Brabazon noted.
Embers from fireworks, campfires and even hot metallic flakes can smolder for days at a time in duff, the layer of pine needles, leaves and other organic material on the forest floor. As conditions become drier, the intensity of these fires can grow to dangerous levels and ignite a wildfire.
For more information email r9_hmnf_website@usda.gov
