When I was a kid, I spent the majority of my summers at sleep away camp in California. There were no cabins or tents, we slept under the stars in the most beautiful natural surroundings…and yet I vividly remember the counselors reminding us just how careful we had to be so that we didn’t accidentally set a fire.
I learned fire prevention and awareness at a very early age, which is why I’m reaching out to you today on behalf of the Smokey Bear campaign, sponsored by the Ad Council, the U.S. Forest Service, and the National Association of State Foresters, to ask for your support in raising awareness for Fire Prevention Month. The sad truth is that nearly 9 out of 10 wildfires are still caused by humans:
- In 2014 there were 7,933 wildfires caused by lightning, but 55,679 wildfires caused by human error (as reported to the National Interagency Fire Center).
- In 2014 more than 3.5 million acres burned due to wildfires in the U.S. of those, more than 1.5 million acres burned due to human-caused wildfires.
Although most of us don’t behave this way intentionally, each year we learn of devastating wildfires caused by careless behavior which can impact millions of acres of forest and thousands of homes.
We can also be more responsible in our homes when it comes to fire safety as well. Half of home fire deaths result from fires reported between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most people are asleep. Only one in five home fires was reported during these hours.
How can you help support Fire Prevention Month? So glad you asked! There’s a lot you can do!
- Learn how to build a SAFE campfire to prevent wildfires
Campfire Safety - See how easily burning debris can start a wildfire
Debris Burning - Understand how proper equipment maintenance can reduce wildfires
Equipment Maintenance - Safety is not only important indoors, but also around your property and community
Community Fire Safety - How to prevent and detect fires inside your home
Home Fire Safety
Pledge to be smart when using fire outdoors so you can do your part to prevent wildfires.
- Understand why some wildfires are caused by careless behavior It Could Be You
- Sign up to Take the Pledge
- National Tally
Let’s work together to prevent forest fires!
