DISASTER! - Homeland Security and Emergency Management ...

Wildfires are intense fires that are usually caused by careless humans orlightning. Campfires, children playing with matches or lighters, and cigarettesare the most common things that cause brush fires or wildfires soplease be careful when you’re out in deserts, mountains, or any other heavyvegetation areas. And please don’t toss cigarettes out when driving!NEVER leave a campfire burning - make sure it is completely out usingplenty of water before leaving the area. Stir the coals around with a stick orlog while pouring water over them to ensure all the coals get wet and theyare no longer hot. Any hot coals left unattended can be easily ignited bywind since they can stay hot for 24 - 48 hours.When building a campfire, always choose a level site, clear away anybranches and twigs several feet from the fire, and never build a fire beneathtree branches or on surface roots. Also, build at least 10 feet (3 m) from anylarge rocks that could be blackened by smoke or cracked from a fire’s heat.See your local Forest Service office or Ranger Station for more informationon campfires and permits. Or visit www.fs.fed.us or www.pc.gc.caBEFORE AWILDFIRE (FIRE SAFETY TIPS):Prepare - See WILDFIRE MITIGATION at beginning of this Section.Learn fire laws - Ask fire authorities or the forestry office for informationon fire laws (like techniques, safest times to burn in your area, etc.)Could they find & reach you? - Make sure that fire vehicles can get to yourproperty and that your address is clearly marked.Safety zone - Create a 30-100 foot (9-30 m) safety zone around your home.(see WILDFIRE MITIGATION)Teach kids - Explain to children that matches and lighters are TOOLS, nottoys... and if they see someone playing with fire tell an adult right away.And teach kids how to report a fire and when to call 9-1-1.Tell authorities - Report hazardous conditions that could cause a wildfire.Be ready to evacuate - Listen to local authorities and leave if you are toldto evacuate. (see EVACUATION)DURING AWILDFIRE:Listen - Have a radio to keep up on news, weather and evacuation routes.www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-432555