Prevent Wild Fires

Campfires and Bonfires

• Only start a campfire or bonfire in an appropriate fire pit, cleared of all vegetation and ringed by stones.

• Never leave a fire unattended, such as overnight.
  

• Always make sure your fire is completely doused with water and smothered with dirt before leaving.

• Don’t start a fire on a windy day. Save it for another time.
  

Smoking

• Dispose of used matches and butts in a closed container or cup of water.

• Keep lighters and matches out of the reach of children.
  

Yard Waste or Rubbish Burns

• Only burn yard waste or rubbish in a 50 gallon drum or fire pit (see campfire section for fire pit tips).

• Never leave a fire unattended.

• Always make sure your fire is completely doused or smothered with dirt before leaving.

• Don’t burn yard waste or rubbish unless it’s allowed by your municipality.

• Don’t burn anything highly combustible, including paper or fabric soaked in oil or gasoline.

• Don’t start a burn on a windy day. Save it for another time.
  

Fireworks

• Have a bucket of water, garden hose or fire extinguisher handy. Consider wetting down the surrounding grass and other vegetation before lighting your fireworks.

• Never let children use fireworks, sparklers or fire crackers unsupervised.

• Don’t light fireworks on windy nights.

• Douse used fireworks with water to make sure they are completely extinguished.
  

Cars, Tools & Other Combustion Engines

• Don’t park a hot car or other machine in dry grass.

• Don’t allow gasoline or motor oil to spill on grass or other vegetation.

• Tractors, off-road vehicles and equipment being used in wooded areas, such as chainsaws, must have spark arrestors.
  

Get Involved with Community Efforts

• Be a good neighbor. People cause most wildfires. Do your part and practice prevention.  
• Wildfires affect entire communities. Everyone needs to work together to manage vegetation and use fire-resistant construction. Find out about efforts in your area and get involved.