Wildfires are highly destructive fires that spread in a rapid, uncontrollable manner over woodlands or brush. Such fires often ruin large expanses of ecosystems and leave lasting negative impacts on the areas they burn through. While they’re often referred to as natural disasters, wildfires are most commonly caused by human carelessness. Consult this guide on ways to prevent wildfires from happening so you can do your part to prevent them.
Avoid Catastrophic Careless Acts
In many cases, the cause of devastating and life-threatening wildfires are small, careless acts. It’s important to understand how our seemingly harmless actions can have lasting impacts on the world around us. This knowledge can help us prevent wildfires from occurring,. Below, you will find common careless acts that are some of the leading causes of wildfires:
- Leaving campfires unattended
- Throwing a lit cigarette on the ground
- Setting off fireworks in at-risk areas
- Starting a fire without having the means to extinguish it
- Having a bonfire or burning debris on a windy day
- Leaving sources of fuel (such as gasoline or kindling) too close to a bonfire
If You See Something, Say Something
If you see an unattended campfire, someone throwing a cigarette out their car window, or witness any of the other careless acts listed above, never look the other way. While you may not want to get involved, doing so could quite literally be a life-or-death decision for thousands of plants, animals, and people. As such, you should report any instances of risky or careless behavior that could result in a wildfire.
Go the Extra Mile
For those who are extremely committed to finding ways to prevent wildfires from happening, choosing a career dedicated to preventing wildfires is a great option. Wildland firefighters engage in numerous fire prevention tactics to decrease the potential of harmful wildfires. While working as a wildland firefighter isn’t easy, such a career is extremely rewarding for people who seek to protect our forests, the creatures inside, and other people from destructive blazes.
