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Enjoy outdoors with wildfire safety in mind

  • Published
  • By Airman Megan Friedl
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  With summer here, people are venturing outdoors to hike, camp, barbecue and make bonfires, but one spark is all it takes to start a wildfire.

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, on average 106,260 wildfires occur per year.

With such a high number of wildfires occurring it's imperative that people manage and prevent wildfires as much as possible.

The 375th Fire Department hopes to educate the base about the importance of fire safety and to prevent wildfires.

"The emphasis and the mission of the fire department is to protect lives and property," said Tech. Sgt. Matthew Reinhardt, lead fire inspector.

To prevent fires one must know the basics of safety. Smoking is a contributor, and people must properly dispose of their cigarettes.

Staff Sgt. Steven Short, fire inspector, said, "If you're smoking you want to make sure that when you're putting out your cigarette butts in the dirt, not in dry leaves or pine needles."

With the winds in this area it's possible for cigarettes to start an unwanted fire.

Last summer, there were several months that were very dry. Those conditions created an environment that made it easier for fires to start, so people were advised to use caution when disposing of their lit cigarettes.

Fires, when managed right, can be a good thing when enjoying the summertime activities. However, open flames are not allowed on base, unless it is prearranged with the Fire Department.

When camping, it's important to start a fire right.

Fires should be started a foot down in the campfire, surrounded by rocks, and branches should not be hanging above the fire. A water, dirt or sand source should always be available to put the fire out in case it gets out of hands.

"Starter logs, dry leaves, pine needles and small twigs are what should be used to start fires. No charcoal or lighter fluid should be used," said Reinhardt.

Reinhardt and Short said a fire should never be left unattended.

When the fire has finished it must be completely out. All the red embers should be scraped until gone.

Common sense is a big factor in keeping people, animals and land safe from wild fires. Sparky the dog says, "Only you can prevent wildfires!"

For more information, contact the Fire Department at 256-5130 or Fire Prevention at 256-3378.