Forest Fire Safety

Human carelessness, such as unattended campfires, burning debris, and discarded cigarettes, is the leading cause of forest fires in the United States.

Preventing forest fires requires a combination of public education, enforcement of fire regulations, and the creation of firebreaks.

A firebreak is a strip of land cleared of vegetation, usually by bulldozers, to stop the spread of fire.

The most important thing to do if you see a forest fire is to call 911. Do not try to put out the fire yourself unless you are a trained firefighter.

If you are caught in a forest fire, you should run away from the fire, find a safe place to shelter in place, and cover your mouth and nose with a wet cloth.

Surface fires are the most common type of forest fire. They burn along the surface of the ground, consuming leaves, twigs, and other small vegetation.

Crown fires are fires that burn in the treetops. They are the most dangerous type of forest fire because they can spread quickly and are difficult to control.

Ground fires are fires that burn in the soil. They are often caused by lightning strikes or human carelessness.

Spot fires are fires that start from a spark or ember. They can be caused by lightning strikes, campfires, or human carelessness.

To extinguish a small campfire, you can pour water on it, stir it up with a stick, or bury it in dirt. Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving it unattended.

If you find a campfire that has been left unattended, you should put it out and report it to the authorities.

The Smokey Bear campaign is a campaign to prevent forest fires, promote fire safety, and educate the public about forest fires.

The symbol of the Smokey Bear campaign is a bear.

The slogan of the Smokey Bear campaign is "Only you can prevent forest fires".

The website of the Smokey Bear campaign is www.smokeybear.com.